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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

Acetonitrile, suitable for residue analysis, JIS 5000

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Acetonitrile, suitable for chromatography

Supelco

L-Glutamine, certified reference material, TraceCERT^®, Manufactured by: Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH, Switzerland

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Acetonitrile, HPLC Plus, ≥99.9%, poly-coated bottles

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Urea, ≥99.0%

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Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, SAJ special grade, ≥99.0%

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Ethanol, JIS 300, ≥99.5%, suitable for residue analysis

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Acetonitrile, SAJ first grade, ≥99.0%

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Ethanol, ≥99.5%

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Ethanol, ≥99.5%, suitable for absorption spectrum analysis

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Acetonitrile, ≥99.8%, suitable for residue analysis, JIS 300

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Ethanol, ≥99.5%, suitable for HPLC

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Acetonitrile, ≥99.8%, suitable for residue analysis, JIS 1000

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Ethanol, ≥99.5%, suitable for fluorescence

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Phenol, ≥99.0%

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Dimethyl sulfoxide, SAJ first grade, ≥99.0%

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Urea, JIS special grade, ≥99.0%

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Acetonitrile, ≥99.8%, suitable for HPLC

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Phenol, JIS special grade, ≥99.0%

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Dimethyl sulfoxide solution, 50 wt. % in H₂O

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Acetonitrile, JIS special grade, ≥99.5%

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Urea, SAJ first grade, ≥98.0%

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Trifluoroacetic acid, SAJ special grade, ≥99.0%

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Phenol, PESTANAL^®, analytical standard