Abstract: Described herein are methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of the cytoskeletal system. The methods are rapid, convenient and sensitive. Preferably, the method is used to identify lead compounds that can be used as therapeutics, diagnostics and agricultural agents. Generally, test compounds are added to two cytoskeletal components which bind to one another, to determine whether the binding is affected by the test compound. Wherein the binding is affected, a compound which modulates the cytoskeletal system is identified.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of the cytoskeletal system. The methods are rapid, convenient and sensitive. Preferably, the method is used to identify lead compounds that can be used as therapeutics, diagnostics and agricultural agents. Generally, test compounds are added to two cytoskeletal components which bind to one another, to determine whether the binding is affected by the test compound. Wherein the binding is affected, a compound which modulates the cytoskeletal system is identified.

Abstract: This invention provides materials and methods for the site specific attachment of virtually any moiety to a layered silicate surface. The methods involve covalently attaching the moiety to an arginine tag; and contacting the arginine tag with the layered silicate (e.g., mica).

Abstract: This invention provides materials and methods for the site specific attachment of virtually any moiety to a layered silicate surface. The methods involve covalently attaching the moiety to an arginine tag; and contacting the arginine tag with the layered silicate (e.g., mica) surface.

Abstract: By providing a focal region of light onto a particle, a laser-based light source can provide enough radiation pressure to position the particle at any desired location in space. In one application, the particle can be a micrometer-sized bead, called a handle, attached to a sample. When the sample under examination, such as an actin filament, interacts with other molecules, such as myosin, the forces generated may displace the sample, and thus the handle, out of its original position. To correct for the off-target position (or in other words, to increase the stiffness of the handle), a feedback loop that utilizes a quadrant photodiode detector and a focal region location means such as an acousto-optic modulator or galvanometer mirror is incorporated in the optical trap system. Use of two other light sources for brightfield illumination and epifluorescence allows the simultaneous viewing of the sample in real time. In other embodiments, the optical trap system can trap and manipulate particles.