Cell phenotype and function are correlative with changes in its surface, including the dynamic expression and/or distribution of cell surface receptors (CSRs). Innovative approaches are needed to uncover membrane proteins dynamics, and their potential effect on current biomedical approaches. Many multivalent ligand architectures, including polymers, dendrimers, and nanoparticles, are synthesized <i>a priori</i> and then evaluated for activity. However, the assumption that binding of such an architecture will be optimal is naïve at best, and possibly worse in many scenarios, particularly for targeting of a multi-protein system. Nano-patterning of silver nanodiscs (Ag NDs) with CSR-bound ligands acts as a “nano-camera”, thus providing a “snapshot” of receptor distribution on the cell surface. This image is then “revealed” through atomic force microscopy (AFM), with a functionalized cantilever that is sensitive towards tagged CSR ligands. As a proof-of-concept study, we synthesized melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) agonists and agonists with biorthogonal chemistries that allow immobilization into Ag NDs and AFM imaging. Our patterning of MC1R distribution on WM-266-4 melanoma cell line with this nano-camera technology will be discussed.<br/>

Mapping of cell surface receptors using silver nanodiscs

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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