Detection of Fluorescent Protein Mechanical Switching in Cellulo

<p>This paper describes the detection of fluorescent protein (FP) mechanical switching in genetically encoded F&ouml;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based tension sensors inside living cells. The authors developed a computational model of FP mechanical switching in the context of FRET-based tension sensors. The model predicts unique signatures in 3-channel FRET imaging data that indicate FP mechanical switching is occurring.</p> <p>Using the model as a guide, the authors found strong evidence of reversible FP mechanical switching occurring in a synthetic actin-binding tension sensor (ABDTS) in cells. The switching was mainly in the acceptor FP mVenus. They also found weaker but detectable FP mechanical switching occurring in a vinculin tension sensor (VinTS) at focal adhesions in cells. The switching again mainly affected the acceptor mVenus. The FP mechanical switching in VinTS was reduced by disrupting vinculin&rsquo;s catch bond with actin and eliminated by culturing cells on softer substrates.</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/@axialxyz/detection-of-fluorescent-protein-mechanical-switching-in-cellulo-da04515d624b"><strong>Read More</strong></a></p>