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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

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

Sigma-Aldrich

Dimethyl sulfoxide, suitable for HPLC

Sigma-Aldrich

Ethanol, ≥99.5%

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Acetonitrile, JIS special grade, ≥99.5%

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Acetonitrile, SAJ first grade, ≥99.0%

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Ethanol, ≥99.5%, suitable for absorption spectrum analysis

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Trifluoroacetic acid, SAJ special grade, ≥99.0%

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Dimethyl sulfoxide, ≥99.5%

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Ethanol, ≥99.5%, suitable for HPLC

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Ethanol, ≥99.5%, suitable for fluorescence

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Dimethyl sulfoxide, JIS special grade, ≥99.0%

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Ethanol, ≥99.5%, SAJ super special grade

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Dimethyl sulfoxide, SAJ first grade, ≥99.0%

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Acetonitrile, ≥99.8%, suitable for HPLC

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Dimethyl sulfoxide, ≥99.0%, suitable for absorption spectrum analysis

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Dimethyl sulfoxide solution, 50 wt. % in H₂O

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5α-Androstan-17β-ol-3-one, VETRANAL^®, analytical standard

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Phenol solution, certified reference material, 500 μg/mL in methanol

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Riboflavin (B2), analytical standard

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Phenol solution, 5000 μg/mL in methanol, certified reference material

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Acetonitrile, ≥99.5%, ACS reagent

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Dimethyl sulfoxide, anhydrous, ≥99.9%

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Phenol, ACS reagent, ≥99.0%

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Ethyl alcohol, Pure, 190 proof, ACS spectrophotometric grade, 95.0%

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8-Octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt, suitable for fluorescence, ≥90% (HPCE)

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Phenol solution, 100 μg/mL in acetonitrile, PESTANAL^®, analytical standard

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Phenol, BioXtra, ≥99.5% (GC)

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Liquified Phenol, ≥89.0%

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Ethanol standards 10% (v/v), 10 % (v/v) in H₂O, analytical standard

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