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                            Library & Multimedia
 Nanoscale visualization of extracellular DNA on cell surfaces
NCJ Number
              308299

Author(s)
          Anita Olsen;
                        Christopher J.  Ehrhardt;
                        Vamsi K Yadavalli
Date Published

September 2020
Length
              9 pages
Annotation
              In this article, the authors demonstrate the integration of optical microscopy with AFM for the visualization of topographical distribution of extracellular DNA using fluorescence imaging, and they suggest that this investigative technique will improve understanding of the biological role of extracellular DNA as well as be valuable to forensic investigations that require analysis of trace samples containing very few cells.
Abstract
              Nanoscale analysis of extracellular DNA (eDNA) that is present on the surface of cells in trace biological samples can provide insight into the understanding of DNA transfer through touch, and thereby, the role of eDNA is a biologically and forensically relevant phenomenon. While various bulk scale tools and DNA analysis can be used to quantitatively obtain this information, obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the eDNA can provide a unique look into the spatial and temporal dynamics at the cellular level. In this study, we show how atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be integrated with optical microscopy to visualize the distribution of surface associate eDNA at a single cell level. Using a nucleic acid fluorophore such as DiamondTM Dye, the surface eDNA can be observed and quantified using fluorescence microscopy. This informational channel can then be overlaid with surface topography and cellular elasticity to provide structural visualization. Finally, chemical force spectroscopy can be used to obtain the distribution of surface-associated eDNA on the cell surface at the molecular level. Such integrated techniques can enhance understanding of the biological role of eDNA, and can also be potentially valuable for investigating challenging trace samples, containing very few cells for various analyses. (Published Abstract Provided)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2017-DN-BX-0186


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Nanoscale Imaging and Chemical Analysis of Extracellular DNA in Trace Evidence Samples
    
  
  
Date Published: September 1, 2020
    
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