Tools

Utilizing a RBC as a force transducer, BFP measures single molecule interactions with ~1 pN resolution. BFP allows us to mesure receptor-ligand kinetics in the presence of force, and was instrumental in the discovery of Catch-bonds.

DNA-based MTPs allow us to probe the pico-Newton forces that cells endogenously apply on their membrane receptors that govern adhesion and antigen recognition. These hairpin probes unfold upon application of force and emit a fluorescent signal.

Measures in situ 2D binding kinetics, which has more biological relevance and better correlates with function compared to 3D affinity techniques

PMFA allows stimulation of cells with ligand-functionalized beads under magnetic force in a multi-well format using a magnetic well-plate lid. After stimulation, cells signaling can be analyzed by flow cytometry.

Molecular dynamics simulations under force allow us to simulate protein interactions to probe which protein residues are regulated by force. SMD can help us pin-point the residues involved in catch-bond interactions.

These microfluidic chambers are coated with multiple proteins in different zones, allowing cells that are flowing in the chamber to encounter multiple ligands sequentially and with spatio-temporal control.

AFM on which the cantilever works horizontally. HAFM can measure receptor-ligand binding kinetics under force between two live cells