Molecular Tension Probes to Investigate the Mechanopharmacology of Single Cells: A Step toward Personalized Mechanomedicine.

ABSTRACT: Given that dysregulation of mechanics contributes to diseases ranging from cancer metastasis to lung disease, it is important to develop methods for screening the efficacy of drugs that target cellular forces. Here, nanoparticle-based tension sensors are used to quantify the mechanical response of individual cells upon drug treatment. As a proof-of-concept, the activity of bronchodilators is tested on human airway smooth muscle cells derived from seven donors, four of which are asthmatic. It is revealed that airway smooth muscle cells isolated from asthmatic donors exhibit greater traction forces compared to the control donors. Additionally, the mechanical signal is abolished using myosin inhibitors or further enhanced in the presence of inflammatory inducers, such as nicotine. Using the s

SUBMITTER: Galior K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6105437 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature