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Sub-piconewton force fluctuations of actomyosin in vitro

Nature volume 352, pages 301–306 (1991)Cite this article

Abstract

A new system has been developed for measuring the forces produced by a small number (<5–150) of myosin molecules interacting with a single actin filament in vitro. The technique can resolve forces of less than a piconewton and has a time resolution in the submillisecond range. It can thus detect fluctuations of force caused by individual molecular interactions. From analysis of these force fluctuations, the coupling between the enzymatic ATPase activity of actomyosin and the resulting mechanical impulses can be elucidated.

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Author notes

  1. Toshio Yanagida: To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Affiliations

  1. Department of Biophysical Engineering, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan

    Akihiko Ishijima, Takashi Doi, Katsuhiko Sakurada & Toshio Yanagida

  2. Wako Research Center, HONDA R & D Co. Ltd, Wako, Saitama, Japan

    Akihiko Ishijima

Authors
  1. Akihiko Ishijima
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  2. Takashi Doi
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  3. Katsuhiko Sakurada
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  4. Toshio Yanagida
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Ishijima, A., Doi, T., Sakurada, K. et al. Sub-piconewton force fluctuations of actomyosin in vitro. Nature 352, 301–306 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1038/352301a0

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