(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008-01)
Chen, Wei; Evans, Evan A.; McEver, Rodger P.; Zhu, Cheng
We describe a new method for determining receptor-ligand association/dissociation events across the interface of two surfaces (two-dimensional binding) by monitoring abrupt decrease/resumption in thermal fluctuations of a biomembrane force probe. Our method has been validated by rigorous control experiments and kinetic experiments. We show that cellular on-rate of association can be measured by analysis of intervals from a dissociation event to the next association event (waiting times). Similarly, off-rate of molecular dissociation can be measured by analysis of intervals from an association event to the next dissociation event (bond lifetimes). Different types of molecular bonds could be distinguished by different levels of reduction in thermal fluctuations. This novel method provides a powerful tool to study cell adhesion and signaling mediated by single or multiple receptor-ligand species.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2006-09)
Lou, Jizhong; Yago, Tadayuki; Klopocki, Arkadiusz G.; Mehta, Padmaja; Chen, Wei; Zarnitsyna, Veronika I.; Bovin, Nicolai V.; Zhu, Cheng; McEver, Rodger P.
L-selectin requires a threshold shear to enable leukocytes to tether to and roll on vascular surfaces. Transport mechanisms govern flow-enhanced tethering, whereas force governs fl ow-enhanced rolling by prolonging the lifetimes of L-selectin–ligand complexes (catch bonds). Using selectin crystal structures, molecular dynamics simulations, site-directed mutagenesis, single-molecule force and kinetics experiments, Monte Carlo modeling, and flow chamber adhesion studies, we show that eliminating a hydrogen bond to increase the fl exibility of an interdomain hinge in L-selectin reduced the shear threshold for adhesion via two mechanisms. One affects the on-rate by increasing tethering through greater rotational diffusion. The other affects the off-rate by strengthening rolling through augmented catch bonds with longer lifetimes at smaller forces. By forcing open the hinge angle, ligand may slide across its interface with L-selectin to promote rebinding, thereby providing a mechanism for catch bonds. Thus, allosteric changes remote from the ligand-binding interface regulate both bond formation and dissociation.