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DOE OSTI · 1808734

Active liquid crystals powered by force-sensing DNA-motor clusters

Tayar, Alexandra M.·Hagan, Michael F.·Dogic, Zvonimir
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Abstract

Significance Single-molecule techniques have elucidated how isolated molecular motors generate piconewton forces with unprecedented detail. However, in diverse biological and synthetic settings, force-generating proteins collectively power nonequilibrium dynamics, including continuous large-scale rearrangements and persistent fluid flows. Characterizing motor-generated forces in these dense and dynamical environments remains a challenge. We assembled a reversible DNA-based force-sensing probe that, by an optical readout, reveals the molecular arrangements and the force loads experienced by kinesin motors. These probes provide insight into motor-generated forces that collectively power the unique dynamics of microtubule-based active nematics, a noteworthy example of an internally driven active matter system. DNA-based force probes can be extended to study forces and stresses in various synthetic systems as well as diverse cellular environments.

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71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICSDNA force sensorScience & Technology - Other Topicsactive matterliquid crystalsmolecular motors

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Tayar, Alexandra M., Hagan, Michael F., Dogic, Zvonimir. 2021-07-20. Active liquid crystals powered by force-sensing DNA-motor clusters. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2102873118

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