Method for Imaging and Quantifying Molecular Tensions at Cell-Cell Junctions Using DNA-Based Fluorescent Probes

Mechanical forces play crucial roles in regulating cellular communications. It has been challenging to measure intercellular forces due to the lack of proper tools. We have recently developed lipid-modified DNA probes that can anchor on the cell membranes and detect intercellular tensions through targeting particular cell surface receptors of interest. Herein, we describe the methods to synthesize, characterize, and apply these DNA-based fluorescent probes for imaging and quantifying intercellular forces.