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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

Hydrocortisone, British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Assay Standard

USP

Dehydrated Alcohol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard

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Methanol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material

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Riboflavin, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard

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Formamide, JIS special grade, ≥98.5%

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Ethanol, 94.8-95.8%

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Acetic acid, SAJ first grade, ≥99.0%

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Acetic acid, ≥99.7%

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Acetic acid, ≥99.7%

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Ethanol, JIS special grade, 94.8-95.8%

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Acetic acid, JIS special grade, ≥99.7%

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Acetic acid, 99.5-100.0%

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Formamide, SAJ first grade, ≥98.5%

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Methanol, SAJ first grade, ≥99.5%

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Methanol, JIS 300, ≥99.8%, suitable for residue analysis

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