Optoregulated force application to cellular receptors using molecular motors

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Molecular Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Understanding mechanotransduction requires precise, noninvasive methods for manipulating molecular-scale forces in physiological settings.
• Existing technologies lack the capability to apply controlled forces at specific cellular junctions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel molecular machine capable of applying forces at cell-matrix and cell-cell junctions using light as an energy source.
• To demonstrate the utility of this nanomotor for studying mechanotransduction events in living cells.

Main Methods:

• Designed a molecular machine featuring a light-driven rotatory motor linked to polymer chains, intercalated between membrane receptors and a biointerface.
• Utilized light to actuate the molecular motor, converting rotational motion into mechanical twisting of polymer chains to pull on cell receptors.
• Validated force application and cellular responses (focal adhesion maturation, T cell activation) under physiological conditions.

Main Results:

• The molecular machine successfully applied physiologically relevant forces at cell junctions using light actuation.
• Demonstrated force-dependent focal adhesion maturation and T cell activation, confirming the system's functionality in mechanotransduction studies.
• Achieved force application at relevant biological timescales under cell-friendly light exposure conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanomotor provides a powerful new tool for manipulating living cells at the molecular scale.
• This technology enables unprecedented control over cellular forces, advancing the study of mechanotransduction.
• Offers a unique capability for force application not currently achievable by other methods.