High-resolution single-molecule kinesin assays at kHz frame rates

Abstract

This chapter describes methods for high-speed, unloaded, in vitro single-molecule kinesin tracking experiments. Instructions are presented for constructing a total internal reflection dark-field microscope (TIRDFM) and labeling motors with gold nanoparticles. An AMP-PNP unlocking assay is introduced as a specialized means of capturing processive events in a reduced field of view. Finally, step-finding tools for analyzing high frame-rate tracking data are described.