- 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
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Brand
Product Description
Sigma-Aldrich
Dimethyl sulfoxide, Hybri-Max™, sterile-filtered, BioReagent, suitable for hybridoma, ≥99.7%
Sigma-Aldrich
Dimethyl sulfoxide, meets EP testing specifications, meets USP testing specifications
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Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution, 0.02% in DPBS (0.5 mM), sterile-filtered, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture
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(−)-Riboflavin, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for insect cell culture, ≥98%
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Phenol solution, Saturated with 0.1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.3 ± 0.2, BioReagent, for molecular biology
Sigma-Aldrich
Phenol solution, Equilibrated with 10 mM Tris HCl, pH 8.0, 1 mM EDTA, BioReagent, for molecular biology
Sigma-Aldrich
Dimethyl sulfoxide, sterile-filtered, BioPerformance Certified, meets EP, USP testing specifications, suitable for hybridoma