Probing Cell Membrane Tension Using DNA Framework-Encoded Vibration-Induced Emission Molecular Assemblies.

Area of Science:

• Biophysical Chemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Mechanics

Background:

• Mechanosensitive fluorescent probes are crucial for studying cellular mechanics and viscosity.
• Developing molecular assemblies with integrated functions for mechanical probing presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel mechanosensitive molecular assemblies by integrating DNA frameworks with vibration-induced emission (VIE) probes.
• To enable live-cell membrane tension imaging through these integrated assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized tetrahedral DNA frameworks functionalized with vibration-induced emission (VIE) probes.
• Investigated the properties of VIE probes on DNA frameworks in aqueous and model membrane systems.
• Evaluated the cell membrane targeting and retention behaviors of molecular assemblies with varying contact points.

Main Results:

• VIE probes on DNA frameworks maintained their ratiometric fluorescence response.
• Molecular assemblies exhibited distinct cell membrane targeting based on contact points.
• Trivalent assemblies demonstrated inhibited internalization and prolonged membrane retention compared to free VIE or mono/divalent assemblies.
• Successfully achieved ratiometric fluorescence imaging of cell membrane tension using trivalent assemblies and confocal microscopy.

Conclusions:

• Mechanosensitive molecular assemblies based on DNA frameworks and VIE probes are effective for live-cell membrane tension imaging.
• Trivalent assemblies offer enhanced cell membrane targeting and retention for prolonged imaging.
• These multifunctional probes hold significant potential for live-cell mechanical studies.