Subangstrom Measurements of Enzyme Function

Subangstrom measurement

Summary

Using the exquisite sub-angstrom precision of the MspA nanopore, we directly measured sub-catalysis reaction steps for the Hel-308 helicase. This groundbreaking research demonstrated the incredible precision possible with nanopore technology.

Authors

Derrington, I.M., Craig, J.M., Stava, E., Laszlo, A.H., Ross, B.C., Brinkerhoff, H., Nova, I.C., Doering, K., Tickman, B., Ronaghi, M., Mandell, J.G., Gunderson, K.L., Gundlach, J.H.

Publication

Published in Nature Biotechnology
DOI: 10.1038/nbt/3357

Technical Details

The MspA nanopore's unique properties allowed us to:

Measure enzyme movements with unprecedented precision
Track individual steps in the catalysis process
Observe previously undetectable molecular movements

Key Findings

Achieved sub-angstrom precision measurements of enzyme movements
Directly observed sub-catalysis reaction steps of Hel-308 helicase
Demonstrated the high precision capabilities of MspA nanopore technology

Impact

This research has significant implications for:

Understanding enzyme mechanisms at the molecular level
Developing more precise molecular measurement techniques
Advancing the field of single-molecule biophysics

Patents

Nanopore-based analysis of Protein Characteristics
United States Patent 10359395 (2019)