Abstract
We describe a method to generate monovalent quantum dots (QDs) using agarose gel electrophoresis. We passivated QDs with a carboxy-terminated polyethylene-glycol ligand, yielding particles with half the diameter of commercial QDs, which we conjugated to a single copy of a high-affinity targeting moiety (monovalent streptavidin or antibody to carcinoembryonic antigen) to label cell-surface proteins. The small size improved access of QD-labeled glutamate receptors to neuronal synapses, and monovalency prevented EphA3 tyrosine kinase activation.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Carcinoembryonic Antigen
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Cell Survival
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Cells / cytology*
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Cells / metabolism*
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Cells, Cultured
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Electrophoresis, Agar Gel
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Fluorescent Dyes
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Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
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Ligands
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Nanotechnology / methods
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Polyethylene Glycols
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Quantum Dots*
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Rats
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Receptors, Cell Surface / analysis*
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Receptors, Glutamate / metabolism
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Staining and Labeling / methods
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Streptavidin
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Synapses / metabolism
Substances
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Carcinoembryonic Antigen
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Fluorescent Dyes
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Ligands
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Receptors, Glutamate
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Polyethylene Glycols
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Streptavidin