Imaging Integrin Tension and Cellular Force at Submicron Resolution with an Integrative Tension Sensor.

ABSTRACT: Molecular tension transmitted by integrin-ligand bonds is the fundamental mechanical signal in the integrin pathway that plays significant roles in many cell functions and behaviors. To calibrate and image integrin tension with high force sensitivity and spatial resolution, we developed an integrative tension sensor (ITS), a DNA-based fluorescent tension sensor. The ITS is activated to fluoresce if sustaining a molecular tension, thus converting force to fluorescent signal at the molecular level. The tension threshold for ITS activation is tunable in the range of 10-60 pN that well covers the dynamic range of integrin tension in cells. On a substrate grafted with an ITS, the integrin tension of adherent cells is visualized by fluorescence and imaged at submicron resolution. The ITS is also

SUBMITTER: Zhao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6613363 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature