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Tapia-Rojo R, Mora M, Garcia-Manyes S. Single-molecule magnetic tweezers to probe the equilibrium dynamics of individual proteins at physiologically relevant forces and timescales. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:1779-1806. [PMID: 38467905 PMCID: PMC7616092 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00965-5] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The reversible unfolding and refolding of proteins is a regulatory mechanism of tissue elasticity and signalling used by cells to sense and adapt to extracellular and intracellular mechanical forces. However, most of these proteins exhibit low mechanical stability, posing technical challenges to the characterization of their conformational dynamics under force. Here, we detail step-by-step instructions for conducting single-protein nanomechanical experiments using ultra-stable magnetic tweezers, which enable the measurement of the equilibrium conformational dynamics of single proteins under physiologically relevant low forces applied over biologically relevant timescales. We report the basic principles determining the functioning of the magnetic tweezer instrument, review the protein design strategy and the fluid chamber preparation and detail the procedure to acquire and analyze the unfolding and refolding trajectories of individual proteins under force. This technique adds to the toolbox of single-molecule nanomechanical techniques and will be of particular interest to those interested in proteins involved in mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. The procedure takes 4 d to complete, plus an additional 6 d for protein cloning and production, requiring basic expertise in molecular biology, surface chemistry and data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Tapia-Rojo
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Marc Mora
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Sergi Garcia-Manyes
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, London, UK.
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2
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Guo Y, Yan J, Goult BT. Mechanotransduction through protein stretching. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102327. [PMID: 38301379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to subtle changes in their physicality, and via a myriad of different mechanosensitive processes, convert these physical cues into chemical and biochemical signals. This process, called mechanotransduction, is possible due to a highly sophisticated machinery within cells. One mechanism by which this can occur is via the stretching of mechanosensitive proteins. Stretching proteins that contain force-dependent regions results in altered geometry and dimensions of the connections, as well as differential spatial organization of signals bound to the stretched protein. The purpose of this mini-review is to discuss some of the intense recent activity in this area of mechanobiology that strives to understand how protein stretching can influence signaling outputs and cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Guo
- Department of Physics, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore 117542, Singapore.
| | - Benjamin T Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK; Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
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3
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Ruperti F, Becher I, Stokkermans A, Wang L, Marschlich N, Potel C, Maus E, Stein F, Drotleff B, Schippers KJ, Nickel M, Prevedel R, Musser JM, Savitski MM, Arendt D. Molecular profiling of sponge deflation reveals an ancient relaxant-inflammatory response. Curr Biol 2024; 34:361-375.e9. [PMID: 38181793 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.021] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
A hallmark of animals is the coordination of whole-body movement. Neurons and muscles are central to this, yet coordinated movements also exist in sponges that lack these cell types. Sponges are sessile animals with a complex canal system for filter-feeding. They undergo whole-body movements resembling "contractions" that lead to canal closure and water expulsion. Here, we combine live 3D optical coherence microscopy, pharmacology, and functional proteomics to elucidate the sequence and detail of shape changes, the tissues and molecular physiology involved, and the control of these movements. Morphometric analysis and targeted perturbation suggest that the movement is driven by the relaxation of actomyosin stress fibers in epithelial canal cells, which leads to whole-body deflation via collapse of the incurrent and expansion of the excurrent canal system. Thermal proteome profiling and quantitative phosphoproteomics confirm the control of cellular relaxation by an Akt/NO/PKG/PKA pathway. Agitation-induced deflation leads to differential phosphorylation of proteins forming epithelial cell junctions, implying their mechanosensitive role. Unexpectedly, untargeted metabolomics detect a concomitant decrease in antioxidant molecules during deflation, reflecting an increase in reactive oxygen species. Together with the secretion of proteinases, cytokines, and granulin, this indicates an inflammation-like state of the deflating sponge reminiscent of vascular endothelial cells experiencing oscillatory shear stress. These results suggest the conservation of an ancient relaxant-inflammatory response of perturbed fluid-carrying systems in animals and offer a possible mechanism for whole-body coordination through diffusible paracrine signals and mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Ruperti
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Collaboration for joint Ph.D. degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabelle Becher
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Ling Wang
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Nick Marschlich
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clement Potel
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emanuel Maus
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Stein
- Proteomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Drotleff
- Metabolomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaske J Schippers
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Nickel
- Bionic consulting Dr. Michael Nickel, 71686 Remseck am Neckar, Germany
| | - Robert Prevedel
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jacob M Musser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Mikhail M Savitski
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Proteomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Detlev Arendt
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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4
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Mierke CT. Magnetic tweezers in cell mechanics. Methods Enzymol 2024; 694:321-354. [PMID: 38492957 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.12.007] [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] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The chapter provides an overview of the applications of magnetic tweezers in living cells. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic tweezers technology with a focus on individual magnetic tweezers configurations, such as electromagnetic tweezers. Solutions to the disadvantages identified are also outlined. The specific role of magnetic tweezers in the field of mechanobiology, such as mechanosensitivity, mechano-allostery and mechanotransduction are also emphasized. The specific usage of magnetic tweezers in mechanically probing cells via specific cell surface receptors, such as mechanosensitive channels is discussed and why mechanical probing has revealed the opening and closing of the channels. Finally, the future direction of magnetic tweezers is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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Ruperti F, Becher I, Stokkermans A, Wang L, Marschlich N, Potel C, Maus E, Stein F, Drotleff B, Schippers K, Nickel M, Prevedel R, Musser JM, Savitski MM, Arendt D. Molecular profiling of sponge deflation reveals an ancient relaxant-inflammatory response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.02.551666. [PMID: 37577507 PMCID: PMC10418225 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of animals is the coordination of whole-body movement. Neurons and muscles are central to this, yet coordinated movements also exist in sponges that lack these cell types. Sponges are sessile animals with a complex canal system for filter-feeding. They undergo whole-body movements resembling "contractions" that lead to canal closure and water expulsion. Here, we combine 3D optical coherence microscopy, pharmacology, and functional proteomics to elucidate anatomy, molecular physiology, and control of these movements. We find them driven by the relaxation of actomyosin stress fibers in epithelial canal cells, which leads to whole-body deflation via collapse of the incurrent and expansion of the excurrent system, controlled by an Akt/NO/PKG/A pathway. A concomitant increase in reactive oxygen species and secretion of proteinases and cytokines indicate an inflammation-like state reminiscent of vascular endothelial cells experiencing oscillatory shear stress. This suggests an ancient relaxant-inflammatory response of perturbed fluid-carrying systems in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Ruperti
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration for joint Ph.D. degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabelle Becher
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Ling Wang
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nick Marschlich
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clement Potel
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emanuel Maus
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Stein
- Proteomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Drotleff
- Metabolomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaske Schippers
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Nickel
- Bionic Consulting Dr. Michael Nickel, 71686 Remseck am Neckar, Germany
| | - Robert Prevedel
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jacob M Musser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mikhail M Savitski
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Proteomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Detlev Arendt
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Franz F, Tapia-Rojo R, Winograd-Katz S, Boujemaa-Paterski R, Li W, Unger T, Albeck S, Aponte-Santamaria C, Garcia-Manyes S, Medalia O, Geiger B, Gräter F. Allosteric activation of vinculin by talin. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4311. [PMID: 37463895 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39646-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The talin-vinculin axis is a key mechanosensing component of cellular focal adhesions. How talin and vinculin respond to forces and regulate one another remains unclear. By combining single-molecule magnetic tweezers experiments, Molecular Dynamics simulations, actin-bundling assays, and adhesion assembly experiments in live cells, we here describe a two-ways allosteric network within vinculin as a regulator of the talin-vinculin interaction. We directly observe a maturation process of vinculin upon talin binding, which reinforces the binding to talin at a rate of 0.03 s-1. This allosteric transition can compete with force-induced dissociation of vinculin from talin only at forces up to 10 pN. Mimicking the allosteric activation by mutation yields a vinculin molecule that bundles actin and localizes to focal adhesions in a force-independent manner. Hence, the allosteric switch confines talin-vinculin interactions and focal adhesion build-up to intermediate force levels. The 'allosteric vinculin mutant' is a valuable molecular tool to further dissect the mechanical and biochemical signalling circuits at focal adhesions and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Franz
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Mathematikon, INF 205, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rafael Tapia-Rojo
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, UK.
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, London, UK.
| | - Sabina Winograd-Katz
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Wenhong Li
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tamar Unger
- The Dana and Yossie Hollander Center for Structural Proteomics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shira Albeck
- The Dana and Yossie Hollander Center for Structural Proteomics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Camilo Aponte-Santamaria
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Mathematikon, INF 205, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sergi Garcia-Manyes
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS London, UK
- Single Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, London, UK
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Benjamin Geiger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Mathematikon, INF 205, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- IMSEAM, Heidelberg University, INF 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Bachmann M, Su B, Rahikainen R, Hytönen VP, Wu J, Wehrle-Haller B. ConFERMing the role of talin in integrin activation and mechanosignaling. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260576. [PMID: 37078342 PMCID: PMC10198623 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260576] [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] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Talin (herein referring to the talin-1 form), is a cytoskeletal adapter protein that binds integrin receptors and F-actin, and is a key factor in the formation and regulation of integrin-dependent cell-matrix adhesions. Talin forms the mechanical link between the cytoplasmic domain of integrins and the actin cytoskeleton. Through this linkage, talin is at the origin of mechanosignaling occurring at the plasma membrane-cytoskeleton interface. Despite its central position, talin is not able to fulfill its tasks alone, but requires help from kindlin and paxillin to detect and transform the mechanical tension along the integrin-talin-F-actin axis into intracellular signaling. The talin head forms a classical FERM domain, which is required to bind and regulate the conformation of the integrin receptor, as well as to induce intracellular force sensing. The FERM domain allows the strategic positioning of protein-protein and protein-lipid interfaces, including the membrane-binding and integrin affinity-regulating F1 loop, as well as the interaction with lipid-anchored Rap1 (Rap1a and Rap1b in mammals) GTPase. Here, we summarize the structural and regulatory features of talin and explain how it regulates cell adhesion and force transmission, as well as intracellular signaling at integrin-containing cell-matrix attachment sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bachmann
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Médical Universitaire, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Baihao Su
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Rolle Rahikainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere University, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesa P. Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere University, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Biokatu 4, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Jinhua Wu
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Bernhard Wehrle-Haller
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Médical Universitaire, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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