1
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Combs JD, Foote AK, Ogasawara H, Velusamy A, Rashid SA, Mancuso JN, Salaita K. Measuring Integrin Force Loading Rates Using a Two-Step DNA Tension Sensor. J Am Chem Soc 2024. [PMID: 39133202 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Cells apply forces to extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands through transmembrane integrin receptors: an interaction which is intimately involved in cell motility, wound healing, cancer invasion and metastasis. These small (piconewton) integrin-ECM forces have been studied by molecular tension fluorescence microscopy (MTFM), which utilizes a force-induced conformational change of a probe to detect mechanical events. MTFM has revealed the force magnitude for integrin receptors in a variety of cell models including primary cells. However, force dynamics and specifically the force loading rate (LR) have important implications in receptor signaling and adhesion formation and remain poorly characterized. Here, we develop an LR probe composed of an engineered DNA structure that undergoes two mechanical transitions at distinct force thresholds: a low force threshold at 4.7 pN (hairpin unfolding) and a high force threshold at 47 pN (duplex shearing). These transitions yield distinct fluorescence signatures observed through single-molecule fluorescence microscopy in live cells. Automated analysis of tens of thousands of events from eight cells showed that the bond lifetime of integrins that engage their ligands and transmit a force >4.7 pN decays exponentially with a τ of 45.6 s. A subset of these events mature in magnitude to >47 pN with a median loading rate of 1.1 pN s-1 and primarily localize at the periphery of the cell-substrate junction. The LR probe design is modular and can be adapted to measure force ramp rates for a broad range of mechanoreceptors and cell models, thus aiding in the study of molecular mechanotransduction in living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Dale Combs
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Alexander K Foote
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Hiroaki Ogasawara
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Arventh Velusamy
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Sk Aysha Rashid
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | | | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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2
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Lyu J, Pan Z, Li R, Yu H, Zhang Y, Wang D, Yin X, He Y, Zhao L, Chen S, Zhang S, Cheng H, Guo X. Cypher/ZASP drives cardiomyocyte maturation via actin-mediated MRTFA-SRF signalling. Theranostics 2024; 14:4462-4480. [PMID: 39113806 PMCID: PMC11303069 DOI: 10.7150/thno.98734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Cardiomyocytes (CMs) undergo dramatic structural and functional changes in postnatal maturation; however, the regulatory mechanisms remain greatly unclear. Cypher/Z-band alternatively spliced PDZ-motif protein (ZASP) is an essential sarcomere component maintaining Z-disc stability. Deletion of mouse Cypher and mutation in human ZASP result in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Whether Cypher/ZASP participates in CM maturation and thereby affects cardiac function has not been answered. Methods: Immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, real-time quantitative PCR, and Western blot were utilized to identify the role of Cypher in CM maturation. Subsequently, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis predicted serum response factor (SRF) as the key regulator. Rescue experiments were conducted using adenovirus or adeno-associated viruses encoding SRF, both in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanisms were elucidated through G-actin/F-actin fractionation, nuclear-cytoplasmic extraction, actin disassembly assays, and co-sedimentation assays. Results: Cypher deletion led to impaired sarcomere isoform switch and morphological abnormalities in mitochondria, transverse-tubules, and intercalated discs. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed significant dysregulation of crucial genes related to sarcomere assembly, mitochondrial metabolism, and electrophysiology in the absence of Cypher. Furthermore, SRF was predicted as key transcription factor mediating the transcriptional differences. Subsequent rescue experiments showed that SRF re-expression during the critical postnatal period effectively rectified CM maturation defects and notably improved cardiac function in Cypher-depleted mice. Mechanistically, Cypher deficiency resulted in the destabilization of F-actin and a notable increase in G-actin levels, thereby impeding the nuclear localisation of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA) and subsequently initiating SRF transcription. Conclusion: Cypher/ZASP plays a crucial role in CM maturation through actin-mediated MRTFA-SRF signalling. The linkage between CM maturation abnormalities and the late-onset of DCM is suggested, providing further insights into the pathogenesis of DCM and potential treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialan Lyu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Pan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruobing Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hailong Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuesheng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongfei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Yin
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liding Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongqiang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, and Department of Cardiology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaogang Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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3
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Chen H, Wang S, Cao Y, Lei H. Molecular Force Sensors for Biological Application. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6198. [PMID: 38892386 PMCID: PMC11173168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanical forces exerted by cells on their surrounding microenvironment are known as cellular traction forces. These forces play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as tissue development, wound healing and cell functions. However, it is hard for traditional techniques to measure cellular traction forces accurately because their magnitude (from pN to nN) and the length scales over which they occur (from nm to μm) are extremely small. In order to fully understand mechanotransduction, highly sensitive tools for measuring cellular forces are needed. Current powerful techniques for measuring traction forces include traction force microscopy (TFM) and fluorescent molecular force sensors (FMFS). In this review, we elucidate the force imaging principles of TFM and FMFS. Then we highlight the application of FMFS in a variety of biological processes and offer our perspectives and insights into the potential applications of FMFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Shouhan Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Yi Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (H.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Hai Lei
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Institute for Advanced Study in Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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4
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Huang Y, Chen T, Chen X, Chen X, Zhang J, Liu S, Lu M, Chen C, Ding X, Yang C, Huang R, Song Y. Decoding Biomechanical Cues Based on DNA Sensors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310330. [PMID: 38185740 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Biological systems perceive and respond to mechanical forces, generating mechanical cues to regulate life processes. Analyzing biomechanical forces has profound significance for understanding biological functions. Therefore, a series of molecular mechanical techniques have been developed, mainly including single-molecule force spectroscopy, traction force microscopy, and molecular tension sensor systems, which provide indispensable tools for advancing the field of mechanobiology. DNA molecules with a programmable structure and well-defined mechanical characteristics have attached much attention to molecular tension sensors as sensing elements, and are designed for the study of biomechanical forces to present biomechanical information with high sensitivity and resolution. In this work, a comprehensive overview of molecular mechanical technology is presented, with a particular focus on molecular tension sensor systems, specifically those based on DNA. Finally, the future development and challenges of DNA-based molecular tension sensor systems are looked upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Ting Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiaodie Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Ximing Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Sinong Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Menghao Lu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Chong Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiangyu Ding
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruiyun Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Yanling Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
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5
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Combs JD, Foote AK, Ogasawara H, Velusamy A, Rashid SA, Mancuso JN, Salaita K. Measuring integrin force loading rates using a two-step DNA tension sensor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585042. [PMID: 38558970 PMCID: PMC10980004 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cells apply forces to extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands through transmembrane integrin receptors: an interaction which is intimately involved in cell motility, wound healing, cancer invasion and metastasis. These small (pN) forces exerted by cells have been studied by molecular tension fluorescence microscopy (MTFM), which utilizes a force-induced conformational change of a probe to detect mechanical events. MTFM has revealed the force magnitude for integrins receptors in a variety of cell models including primary cells. However, force dynamics and specifically the force loading rate (LR) have important implications in receptor signaling and adhesion formation and remain poorly characterized. Here, we develop a LR probe which is comprised of an engineered DNA structures that undergoes two mechanical transitions at distinct force thresholds: a low force threshold at 4.7 pN corresponding to hairpin unfolding and a high force threshold at 56 pN triggered through duplex shearing. These transitions yield distinct fluorescence signatures observed through single-molecule fluorescence microscopy in live-cells. Automated analysis of tens of thousands of events from 8 cells showed that the bond lifetime of integrins that engage their ligands and transmit a force >4.7 pN decays exponentially with a τ of 45.6 sec. A small subset of these events (<10%) mature in magnitude to >56pN with a median loading rate of 1.3 pNs-1 with these mechanical ramp events localizing at the periphery of the cell-substrate junction. Importantly, the LR probe design is modular and can be adapted to measure force ramp rates for a broad range of mechanoreceptors and cell models, thus aiding in the study of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Dale Combs
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Arventh Velusamy
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sk Aysha Rashid
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, GA 30322, USA
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6
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Al Abdullatif S, Narum S, Hu Y, Rogers J, Fitzgerald R, Salaita K. Molecular Compressive Force Sensor for Mapping Forces at the Cell-Substrate Interface. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6830-6836. [PMID: 38418383 PMCID: PMC10941184 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are crucial for biological processes such as T cell antigen recognition. A suite of molecular tension probes to measure pulling forces have been reported over the past decade; however, there are no reports of molecular probes for measuring compressive forces, representing a gap in the current mechanobiology toolbox. To address this gap, we report a molecular compression reporter using pseudostable hairpins (M-CRUSH). The design principle was based on a pseudostable DNA structure that folds in response to an external compressive force. We created a library of DNA stem-loop hairpins with varying thermodynamic stability, and then used Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to quantify hairpin folding stability as a function of temperature and crowding. We identified an optimal pseudostable DNA hairpin highly sensitive to molecular crowding that displayed a shift in melting temperature (Tm) of 7 °C in response to a PEG crowding agent. When immobilized on surfaces, this optimized DNA hairpin showed a 29 ± 6% increase in FRET index in response to 25% w/w PEG 8K. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we employed M-CRUSH to map the compressive forces generated by primary naïve T cells. We noted dynamic compressive forces that were highly sensitive to antigen presentation and coreceptor engagement. Importantly, mechanical forces are generated by cytoskeletal protrusions caused by acto-myosin activity. This was confirmed by treating cells with cytoskeletal inhibitors, which resulted in a lower FRET response when compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, we showed that M-CRUSH signal is dependent on probe density with greater density probes showing enhanced signal. Finally, we demonstrated that M-CRUSH probes are modular and can be applied to different cell types by displaying a compressive signal observed under human platelets. M-CRUSH offers a powerful tool to complement tension sensors and map out compressive forces in living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Al Abdullatif
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Steven Narum
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute
of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yuesong Hu
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jhordan Rogers
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Rachel Fitzgerald
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute
of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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7
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Velusamy A, Sharma R, Rashid SA, Ogasawara H, Salaita K. DNA mechanocapsules for programmable piconewton responsive drug delivery. Nat Commun 2024; 15:704. [PMID: 38267454 PMCID: PMC10808132 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44061-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanical dysregulation of cells is associated with a number of disease states, that spans from fibrosis to tumorigenesis. Hence, it is highly desirable to develop strategies to deliver drugs based on the "mechanical phenotype" of a cell. To achieve this goal, we report the development of DNA mechanocapsules (DMC) comprised of DNA tetrahedrons that are force responsive. Modeling shows the trajectory of force-induced DMC rupture and predicts how applied force spatial position and orientation tunes the force-response threshold. DMCs functionalized with adhesion ligands mechanically denature in vitro as a result of cell receptor forces. DMCs are designed to encapsulate macromolecular cargos such as dextran and oligonucleotide drugs with minimal cargo leakage and high nuclease resistance. Force-induced release and uptake of DMC cargo is validated using flow cytometry. Finally, we demonstrate force-induced mRNA knockdown of HIF-1α in a manner that is dependent on the magnitude of cellular traction forces. These results show that DMCs can be effectively used to target biophysical phenotypes which may find useful applications in immunology and cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radhika Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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8
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Li X, Combs JD, Salaita K, Shu X. Polarized focal adhesion kinase activity within a focal adhesion during cell migration. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:1458-1468. [PMID: 37349581 PMCID: PMC10732478 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01353-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) relays integrin signaling from outside to inside cells and contributes to cell adhesion and motility. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of FAK activity in single FAs is unclear due to the lack of a robust FAK reporter, which limits our understanding of these essential biological processes. Here we have engineered a genetically encoded FAK activity sensor, dubbed FAK-separation of phases-based activity reporter of kinase (SPARK), which visualizes endogenous FAK activity in living cells and vertebrates. Our work reveals temporal dynamics of FAK activity during FA turnover. Most importantly, our study unveils polarized FAK activity at the distal tip of newly formed single FAs in the leading edge of a migrating cell. By combining FAK-SPARK with DNA tension probes, we show that tensions applied to FAs precede FAK activation and that FAK activity is proportional to the strength of tension. These results suggest tension-induced polarized FAK activity in single FAs, advancing the mechanistic understanding of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoquan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaokun Shu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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9
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Duan Y, Szlam F, Hu Y, Chen W, Li R, Ke Y, Sniecinski R, Salaita K. Detection of cellular traction forces via the force-triggered Cas12a-mediated catalytic cleavage of a fluorogenic reporter strand. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1404-1418. [PMID: 37957275 PMCID: PMC11289779 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01114-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Molecular forces generated by cell receptors are infrequent and transient, and hence difficult to detect. Here we report an assay that leverages the CRISPR-associated protein 12a (Cas12a) to amplify the detection of cellular traction forces generated by as few as 50 adherent cells. The assay involves the immobilization of a DNA duplex modified with a ligand specific for a cell receptor. Traction forces of tens of piconewtons trigger the dehybridization of the duplex, exposing a cryptic Cas12-activating strand that sets off the indiscriminate Cas12-mediated cleavage of a fluorogenic reporter strand. We used the assay to perform hundreds of force measurements using human platelets from a single blood draw to extract individualized dose-response curves and half-maximal inhibitory concentrations for a panel of antiplatelet drugs. For seven patients who had undergone cardiopulmonary bypass, platelet dysfunction strongly correlated with the need for platelet transfusion to limit bleeding. The Cas12a-mediated detection of cellular traction forces may be used to assess cell state, and to screen for genes, cell-adhesion ligands, drugs or metabolites that modulate cell mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fania Szlam
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wenchun Chen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Departments of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Renhao Li
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Departments of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yonggang Ke
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Roman Sniecinski
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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10
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Rashid SA, Dong Y, Ogasawara H, Vierengel M, Essien ME, Salaita K. All-Covalent Nuclease-Resistant and Hydrogel-Tethered DNA Hairpin Probes Map pN Cell Traction Forces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:33362-33372. [PMID: 37409737 PMCID: PMC10360067 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to the physical properties of their environment through receptor-mediated signaling, a process known as mechanotransduction, which can modulate critical cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival. At the molecular level, cell adhesion receptors, such as integrins, transmit piconewton (pN)-scale forces to the extracellular matrix, and the magnitude of the force plays a critical role in cell signaling. The most sensitive approach to measuring integrin forces involves DNA hairpin-based sensors, which are used to quantify and map forces in living cells. Despite the broad use of DNA hairpin sensors to study a variety of mechanotransduction processes, these sensors are typically anchored to rigid glass slides, which are orders of magnitude stiffer than the extracellular matrix and hence modulate native biological responses. Here, we have developed nuclease-resistant DNA hairpin probes that are all covalently tethered to PEG hydrogels to image cell traction forces on physiologically relevant substrate stiffness. Using HeLa cells as a model cell line, we show that the molecular forces transmitted by integrins are highly sensitive to the bulk modulus of the substrate, and cells cultured on the 6 and 13 kPa gels produced a greater number of hairpin unfolding events compared to the 2 kPa substrates. Tension signals are spatially colocalized with pY118-paxillin, confirming focal adhesion-mediated probe opening. Additionally, we found that integrin forces are greater than 5.8 pN but less than 19 pN on 13 kPa gels. This work provides a general strategy to integrate molecular tension probes into hydrogels, which can better mimic in vivo mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Aysha Rashid
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yixiao Dong
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Hiroaki Ogasawara
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Maia Vierengel
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Mark Edoho Essien
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Wallace
H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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11
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Zhou P, Ding L, Yan Y, Wang Y, Su B. Recent advances in label-free imaging of cell-matrix adhesions. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:2341-2351. [PMID: 36744880 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc06499e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cell-matrix adhesions play an essential role in mediating and regulating many biological processes. The adhesion receptors, typically transmembrane integrins, provide dynamic correlations between intracellular environments and extracellular matrixes (ECMs) by bi-directional signaling. In-depth investigations of cell-matrix adhesion and integrin-mediated cell adhesive force are of great significance in biology and medicine. The emergence of advanced imaging techniques and principles has facilitated the understanding of the molecular composition and structure dynamics of cell-matrix adhesions, especially the label-free imaging methods that can be used to study living cell dynamics without immunofluorescence staining. This highlight article aims to give an overview of recent developments in imaging cell-matrix adhesions in a label-free manner. Electrochemiluminescence microscopy (ECLM) and surface plasmon resonance microscopy (SPRM) are briefly introduced and their applications in imaging analysis of cell-matrix adhesions are summarized. Then we highlight the advances in mapping cell-matrix adhesion force based on molecular tension probes and fluorescence microscopy (collectively termed as MTFM). The biomaterials including polyethylene glycol (PEG), peptides and DNA for constructing tension probes in MTFM are summarized. Finally, the outlook and perspectives on the further developments of cell-matrix adhesion imaging are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Lurong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yajuan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Bin Su
- Key Laboratory of Excited-State Materials of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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