Mechanobiology: a new model of integrin activation by membrane tension

该项目旨在解决机械生物学中的一个基本问题，即整合素受体如何与力协调来调节细胞的扩散、迁移、生长和存活。通过观察到膜变形增强了整合素的结合，该项目希望建立一种通过膜张力激活整合素的新模型。它将开发一种结合单分子测力仪、超分辨率显微镜、微流体学和分子动力学模拟的综合方法。预计膜张力在促进细胞黏附中的作用将在分子水平上确定，整合素激活和压电钙通道介导的膜张力传感之间的联系将被勾画出来。

This project aims to address a fundamental question in mechanobiology on how integrin receptor coordinates with force to mediate cell spreading, migration, growth and survival. With an observation that membrane deformation enhances integrin binding, the project expects to establish a new model of integrin activation by membrane tension. It will develop an integrated approach combining single-molecule force probes, super resolution microscopy, microfluidics and molecular dynamics simulations. It is expected that the role of membrane tension in promoting cell adhesion will be defined at molecular scale, and the link between integrin activation and Piezo calcium channel mediated membrane tension sensing will be delineated.