Method for measuring single-molecule adhesion forces and attachment lifetimes of protein-membrane interactions

Many proteins that reside in the cytoplasm bind directly to cell membranes and play roles in signaling, adhesion, metabolism, cell structure, and cell motility. Several of these membrane-binding proteins, especially cytoskeletal proteins, have mechanical functions that result in the transmission of forces to the plasma membrane and organelle-membranes. Despite the importance of these interactions, remarkably little is known about the mechanical properties of the bonds between membranes and proteins. In this chapter, we describe a single-molecule, optical-trapping method for the measurement of protein-membrane adhesion forces and force-dependent attachment-lifetimes.