Generic self-stabilization mechanism for biomolecular adhesions under load

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Mechanical loading typically weakens adhesive structures, leading to failure.
• Biological systems exhibit remarkable load-adaptive strengthening of adhesions, crucial for tissue and organism integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a generic molecular mechanism for adhesion self-stabilization by harnessing applied loads.
• To explain how this mechanism enhances adhesion strength and longevity.

Main Methods:

• Investigated molecular conformation changes and dynamic exchange with a molecular reservoir.
• Utilized principles of thermodynamics to model load-driven molecular association.
• Analyzed self-stabilization in complex adhesion networks, including talin and vinculin.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a mechanism where tangential loading promotes adhesion growth and self-stabilization.
• Showed robust increases in adhesion lifetimes across various parameters.
• Illustrated that adhesion bond rupture rates can increase monotonically with force, distinct from catch-bonds.

Conclusions:

• Adhesion systems can actively strengthen under mechanical load through a load-induced growth mechanism.
• This principle of self-stabilization is broadly applicable and naturally occurs in cellular adhesions involving talin and vinculin.