A DNA-based molecular probe for optically reporting cellular traction forces.

A DNA-based molecular probe for optically reporting cellular traction forces.

Nature methods (2014-10-13)

Brandon L Blakely, Christoph E Dumelin, Britta Trappmann, Lynn M McGregor, Colin K Choi, Peter C Anthony, Van K Duesterberg, Brendon M Baker, Steven M Block, David R Liu, Christopher S Chen

PMID25306545

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.

MATERIALS

Product Number

Brand

Product Description

86760

Sigma-Aldrich

1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane, purum p.a., for separation (of mineral compounds), ≥98.0% (GC)

82762

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Methanol, analytical standard

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Urea solution, BioUltra, ~8 M in H₂O

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Magnesium chloride solution, BioUltra, for molecular biology, ~1 M in H₂O

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Acetonitrile solution, contains 0.05 % (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid

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Acetonitrile solution, contains 0.1 % (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid, suitable for HPLC

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Acetonitrile solution, contains 0.1 % (v/v) formic acid, suitable for HPLC

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Magnesium chloride solution, BioUltra, for molecular biology, ~0.025 M in H₂O

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Argon, ≥99.998%

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Acetic acid, for luminescence, BioUltra, ≥99.5% (GC)

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