{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Exploring Mechanical Responses of Cells to Geometric Information Using Micropatterned DNA-Based Molecular Tension Probes.
{Author}: Sun F;Li H;Hu Y;Zhang M;Wang W;Chen W;Liu Z;
{Journal}: ACS Nano
{Volume}: 17
{Issue}: 18
{Year}: 2023 09 26
{Factor}: 18.027
{DOI}: 10.1021/acsnano.3c07088
{Abstract}: The geometric shape of a cell is strongly influenced by the cytoskeleton, which, in turn, is regulated by integrin-mediated cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. To investigate the mechanical role of integrin in the geometrical interplay between cells and the ECM, we proposed a single-cell micropatterning technique combined with molecular tension fluorescence microscopy (MTFM), which allows us to characterize the mechanical properties of cells with prescribed geometries. Our results show that the curvature is a key geometric cue for cells to differentiate shapes in a membrane-tension- and actomyosin-dependent manner. Specifically, curvatures affect the size of focal adhesions (FAs) and induce a curvature-dependent density and spatial distribution of strong integrins. In addition, we found that the integrin subunit β1 plays a critical role in the detection of geometric information. Overall, the integration of MTFM and single-cell micropatterning offers a robust approach for investigating the nexus between mechanical cues and cellular responses, holding potential for advancing our understanding of mechanobiology.