A DNA-based molecular probe for optically reporting cellular traction forces.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 25306545.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/nmeth.3145 and PMC identifier 4247985.
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Abstract
We developed molecular tension probes (TPs) that report traction forces of adherent cells with high spatial resolution, can in principle be linked to virtually any surface, and obviate monitoring deformations of elastic substrates. TPs consist of DNA hairpins conjugated to fluorophore-quencher pairs that unfold and fluoresce when subjected to specific forces. We applied TPs to reveal that cellular traction forces are heterogeneous within focal adhesions and localized at their distal edges.
Medical subject headings
- Cell Adhesion
- DNA Probes
- Focal Adhesions
- Mechanotransduction, Cellular