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Double-stranded DNA force sensors to study the molecular level forces required to activate signaling pathways

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Abstract

Single-molecule force measurement techniques provide unique opportunities to investigate simple molecular interactions and complicated force-induced cell responses. This has revolutionized our understanding of how mechanical cues influence cell behaviors. Recent advances in DNA technologies have led to the development of tension sensors for high-throughput screening of pN scale forces with single-molecule precision. Thus, the emerging DNA-based mechano-sensors are replacing conventional single-molecule force spectroscopes. This review provides an overview of double-stranded DNA-based mechano-sensors, such as the tension gauge tether (TGT) and its derivatives, and their biophysical applications. First, we review the theoretical background of the force-induced rupture of DNA duplexes and force sensing mechanisms using DNA structures. Next, we survey the use of double-stranded DNA-based force sensors to study the role of mechanical forces, mostly receptor tensions, in signaling pathways.

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Incheon National University Research Grant in 2017.

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  1. Young Kim and Kyung Ah Kim contributed equally to this work.

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  1. Department of Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, South Korea

    Young Kim, Kyung Ah Kim & Byoung Choul Kim

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  1. Young Kim
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Correspondence to Byoung Choul Kim.

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Kim, Y., Kim, K.A. & Kim, B.C. Double-stranded DNA force sensors to study the molecular level forces required to activate signaling pathways. J. Korean Phys. Soc. 78, 386–392 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40042-020-00046-2

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