Skip to Content

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

(−)-Riboflavin, from Eremothecium ashbyii, ≥98%

Sigma-Aldrich

(−)-Riboflavin, meets USP testing specifications

Sigma-Aldrich

L-Thyroxine sodium salt pentahydrate, ≥98% (HPLC), powder

Sigma-Aldrich

Urea solution, 40 % (w/v) in H₂O

Sigma-Aldrich

Magnesium chloride solution, PCR Reagent, 25 mM MgCI₂solution for PCR

Sigma-Aldrich

Hydrocortisone, ≥98% (HPLC)

Sigma-Aldrich

Hydrocortisone, meets USP testing specifications

Sigma-Aldrich

Hydrocortisone, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture

Sigma-Aldrich

Hydrocortisone, γ-irradiated, powder, BioXtra, suitable for cell culture

Sigma-Aldrich

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

Sigma-Aldrich

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

Sigma-Aldrich

Formamide, BioUltra, for molecular biology, ≥99.5% (T)

Sigma-Aldrich

Urea solution, BioUltra, ~8 M in H₂O

Sigma-Aldrich

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

Sigma-Aldrich

DL-Dithiothreitol solution, BioUltra, for molecular biology, ~1 M in H₂O

Sigma-Aldrich

Ethanol Fixative 80% v/v, suitable for fixing solution (blood films)

Supelco

Methanol, analytical standard

Sigma-Aldrich

Propylamine, purum, ≥99.0% (GC)

Sigma-Aldrich

(−)-Riboflavin, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for insect cell culture, ≥98%

Sigma-Aldrich

Methanol, anhydrous, 99.8%

Sigma-Aldrich

Urea-¹²C, 99.9 atom % ¹²C

Sigma-Aldrich

Magnesium chloride solution, BioUltra, for molecular biology, 2 M in H₂O

Sigma-Aldrich

Propylamine, 98%

Sigma-Aldrich

Formamide, ACS reagent, ≥99.5%

Sigma-Aldrich

Argon, ≥99.998%

Sigma-Aldrich

1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane, 98%

Sigma-Aldrich

Acetic acid, ≥99.5%, FCC, FG

Sigma-Aldrich

Methanol, suitable for HPLC, gradient grade, 99.93%

Sigma-Aldrich

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

USP

Dehydrated Alcohol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard