Fluorescence to study the ATPase mechanism of motor proteins

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of different methodologies to dissect the ATPase mechanism of motor proteins. The use of ATP is fundamental to how these molecular engines work and how they can use the energy to perform various cellular roles. Rapid reaction and single-molecule techniques will be discussed to monitor reactions in real time through the application of fluorescence intensity, anisotropy and FRET. These approaches utilise fluorescent nucleotides and biosensors. While not every technique may be suitable for your motor protein, the different ways to determine the ATPase mechanism should allow a good evaluation of the kinetic parameters.