Talin-1 is a mechanosensitive adhesome protein regulated by actomyosin contractibility

Identifier:  TFG:107

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG107

Authors:  Ramírez Martínez, Andrés

Abstract:
Talin-1 is a mechanosensitive adhesome protein regulated by actomyosin contractibility Summary Mechanical forces exert important regulatory functions in processes such as differentiation, development and migration. Focal adhesions (FA) couple the extracellular matrix with the cytoskeleton and are main mediators in the interplay between physical changes and biochemical signals. Nonetheless, the regulation of tension in individual FA components has only been recently addressed. In this work, we report the use of a molecular tension biosensor in talin based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and entropic nanosprings. We found that tension on talin depended on the pulling forces transmitted by its direct association to actin. Disturbing actomyosin contractibility by small molecules or preventing direct actin binding increased FRET efficiency, indicating lower tension. These results provide direct information about the mechanism behind talin as a mechanical coupler between integrins and the cytoskeleton. We expect FRET tension biosensors to become a valid and useful tool for molecular tension measurements.