AFM manipulation and imaging of human chromosomes

Ken-ichi OGAWA¹, Masato SAITO¹, Yuji MURAKAMI¹, Tatsuo USHIKI², Eiichi TAMIYA¹

1) JAIST
2) Niigata Univ.

Recent findings that human chromosome has much information besides the gene require an advanced analytical methods of chromosome to know them. In this research, we report the development of direct structure analysis and nano-size manipulation of chromosome employing an atomic force microscopy(AFM). Chromosome samples were spreaded on a glass plate, Giemsa-stained, dried, and finally analyzed by AFM. As a result, the AFM image of the chromosome was 2-10 mm in length and 100-200 nm in height, and minute structure inside the chromosome could be confirmed. The chromosome could be cut by AFM probe manipulation, and the cutting width was about 50 nm. Local chromosomal dissection by protease will be effective by combining with AFM operation. Optimal Trypsin treatment was examined for this purpose.