Visualization and characterization of small molecule-protein interactions.
In this example, optical tweezers are used to catch a DNA molecule tethered between two beads, while a motor protein and differently labeled small molecules are visualized by correlative fluorescence microscopy. The illustration shows how small molecules interact with the motor protein, thereby reducing or altering its activity. Alternatively, the small molecules can interact with the DNA template, resulting in barriers that restrict the movement of the proteins.