Bead-handles

Bead-handles that can be easily connected to chromosome ends or centromers This task aims to develop a protocol that allows the attachment of optically trapped microspheres to a metaphase chromosome. First, the VU will explore the use of microspheres coated with antibodies. To this end we will use antibodies derived by UCPH against telomere-binding proteins or antibodies against centromere factors. A completely different approach we will pursue involve PNA or RNA linkers. These linkers hybridise more strongly with a complementary DNA strand than DNA itself. Another approach involves aptamers, nucleic acids that specifically bind to ligands. The expectation is that within 6 months chromosomes can be handled by specific attachment of optically trapped microspheres to chromosomes.