Unraveling the Dual-Mode Impact on Tension Gauge Tethers’ Mechanical Stability

Abstract

Tension Gauge Tethers (TGTs), short DNA segments serving as extracellular tension sensors, are instrumental in assessing tension dynamics in mechanotransduction. These TGTs feature an initial shear-stretch region and an unzip-stretch region. Despite their utility, no theoretical model has been available to estimate their tension-dependent lifetimes (τ(f)), restricting insights from cellular mechanotransduction experiments. We’ve now formulated a concise expression forτ(f) of TGTs, accommodating contributions from both stretch regions. Our model uncovers a tension-dependent energy barrier shift occurring when tension surpasses a switching force approximately 13 pN for the recently developed TGTs, greatly influencingτ(f) profiles. Experimental data from several TGTs validated our model. The calibrated expression can predictτ(f) of TGTs at 37 degrees Celsius based on their sequences with minor fold-changes, supporting future applications of TGTs.