Coordination between Intra- and Extracellular Forces Regulates Focal Adhesion Dynamics.

ABSTRACT: Focal adhesions (FAs) are important mediators of cell-substrate interactions. One of their key functions is the transmission of forces between the intracellular acto-myosin network and the substrate. However, the relationships between cell traction forces, FA architecture, and molecular forces within FAs are poorly understood. Here, by combining Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based molecular force biosensors with micropillar-based traction force sensors and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, we simultaneously map molecular tension across vinculin, a key protein in FAs, and traction forces at FAs. Our results reveal strong spatiotemporal correlations between vinculin tension and cell traction forces at FAs throughout a wide range of substrate stiffnesses. Furthermore, we fin

SUBMITTER: Sarangi BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5423523 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature