Design of a new mechano-sensor

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26650022
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Structural biochemistry
• Research Institution: Nara Institute of Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: HAKOSHIMA TOSHIO 奈良先端科学技術大学院大学, バイオサイエンス研究科, 教授 (00164773)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: タンパク質 / 構造変化 / 張力 / 構造転移 / 細胞骨格 / 細胞接着 / タンパク質工学 / 蛍光

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cells are able to sense mechanical forces. In this study, we focus on α-catenin, which has been elucidated to function as a mechanosensor at adherens junctions of cells. Together with other proteins that are expected to interact with α-catenin in a force-dependent manner, we have analyzed the force-sensing actions of α-catenin and tried to create fusion proteins that are able to show force-dependent luminescence. We have succeeded to show a relationship between the force-sensing properties of α-catenin and conformational changes occurred in the protein molecule under tension. We have also provided molecular basis for further analysis of the force-sensing properties of other protein molecules.

Free Research Field

生物学