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Related Concept Videos

Mechanical Protein Functions01:58

Mechanical Protein Functions

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Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force. 
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The living membranes are flexible due to their fluid mosaic nature; however, their bending into different shapes is an active process regulated by specific lipids and proteins. The membrane bending can be transient as seen in vesicles or stable for a long time as in microvilli. Cells regulate the size, location, and duration of the membrane curvature.
Membrane bending can happen due to intrinsic changes in lipid composition or extrinsic association with different proteins. The proteins involved...
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In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
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Modulating a Massive Set of Biomolecular Structures by Sono-Mechanical Force.

Pravin Pokhrel1, Grinsun Sharma2, Jaren Jenyk1,3

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.

Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|October 31, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Low-power ultrasound generates sono-mechanical forces to unfold DNA structures reversibly, both in vitro and within cells. This technique releases cancer drugs, offering a novel approach for precision medicine.

Keywords:
DNA G‐quadruplexDNA hairpinssono‐deliverysono‐mechanicsultrasound

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Single-molecule techniques like optical tweezers manipulate biomolecules but are limited in scale and cellular application.
  • Existing methods face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and efficacy for force-based molecular manipulation, especially within living cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a scalable, non-intrusive method for generating sono-mechanical forces to manipulate biomolecular structures.
  • To investigate the potential of low-power ultrasound for reversible unfolding of DNA structures and targeted drug delivery within cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized low-power ultrasound (<5.3 mW cm⁻²) to generate sono-mechanical forces, calibrated against optical tweezers.
  • Applied sono-mechanical forces to unfold DNA structures (G-quadruplexes, hairpins) and observed drug release from DNA carriers in cancer cells.

Main Results:

  • Quantified sono-mechanical forces of at least 29 pN at 5.3 mW cm⁻², capable of simultaneously and reversibly unfolding multiple DNA structures.
  • Demonstrated in-cell sono-mechanical unfolding, leading to doxorubicin release from DNA hairpin carriers and subsequent targeted cancer cell death.

Conclusions:

  • Low-power ultrasound provides a flexible, non-intrusive method for manipulating large populations of biomolecules without fixed orientations.
  • This sono-mechanical platform shows significant potential for applications in molecular biophysics, smart materials, and precision cancer medicine.