The nanoscale architecture of force-bearing focal adhesions
Van Hoorn H, Harkes R, Spiesz EM, Storm C, Van Noort D, Ladoux B, Schmidt T (2014)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2014
Journal
Book Volume: 14
Pages Range: 4257-4262
Journal Issue: 8
DOI: 10.1021/nl5008773
Abstract
The combination of micropillar array technology to measure cellular traction forces with super-resolution imaging allowed us to obtain cellular traction force maps and simultaneously zoom in on individual focal adhesions with single-molecule accuracy. We achieved a force detection precision of 500 pN simultaneously with a mean single-molecule localization precision of 30 nm. Key to the achievement was a two-step etching process that provided an integrated spacer next to the micropillar array that permitted stable and reproducible observation of cells on micropillars within the short working distance of a high-magnification, high numerical aperture objective. In turn, we used the technology to characterize the super-resolved structure of focal adhesions during force exertion. Live-cell imaging on MCF-7 cells demonstrated the applicability of the inverted configuration of the micropillar arrays to dynamics measurements. Forces emanated from a molecular base that was localized on top of the micropillars. What appeared as a single adhesion in conventional microscopy were in fact multiple elongated adhesions emanating from only a small fraction of the adhesion on the micropillar surface. Focal adhesions were elongated in the direction of local cellular force exertion with structural features of 100-280 nm in 3T3 Fibroblasts and MCF-7 cells. The combined measure of nanoscale architecture and force exerted shows a high level of stress accumulation at a single site of adhesion. © 2014 American Chemical Society.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Leiden University
Netherlands (NL)
Eindhoven University of Technology / Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e)
Netherlands (NL)
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore (SG)
Netherlands (NL)
Eindhoven University of Technology / Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e)
Netherlands (NL)
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore (SG)
How to cite
APA:
Van Hoorn, H., Harkes, R., Spiesz, E.M., Storm, C., Van Noort, D., Ladoux, B., & Schmidt, T. (2014). The nanoscale architecture of force-bearing focal adhesions. Nano Letters, 14(8), 4257-4262. https://doi.org/10.1021/nl5008773
MLA:
Van Hoorn, Hedde, et al. "The nanoscale architecture of force-bearing focal adhesions." Nano Letters 14.8 (2014): 4257-4262.
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