Membrane protein clusters at nanoscale resolution: more than pretty pictures

Physiology (Bethesda). 2010 Apr;25(2):116-24. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00044.2009.

Abstract

Fluorescence microscopy is powerful for analyzing the composition and dynamics of cellular elements, but studying precise molecule patterns is precluded due to diffraction limited resolution. This barrier has been lifted now through several superresolution microscopy techniques. They revealed that proteins assemble in defined groups (clusters). A new challenge thus appears for the biologist: to find out whether clusters are molecular machines, stabilizers of defined protein conformations, or simply protein reservoirs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry
  • Multiprotein Complexes / ultrastructure
  • Nanostructures*
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Multiprotein Complexes