Fluorescent peptides for membrane tension and domain structure reporting

Cell mechanics are crucial for all cell functions, including division, survival, migration, and differentiation. Although many versions of fluorescent linear force sensors have been developed for cytoskeletal and ECM elements, few tools exist to monitor two-dimensional tension in cell membranes. Many cells are motile, actively deforming their membrane, supported and driven by the underlying cytoskeleton. There is a two-order-of-magnitude discrepancy between membrane tension estimates from the tether formation technique and the tensions that activate common mechanosensitive channels in most cells. This discrepancy highlights the need for non-invasive membrane probes that can independently measure membrane tension, especially since it can be highly localized and dynamic. Here, we introduce such probes and a new principle for tension measurement.