A Leap Forward in Molecular Mechanobiology!

Scientists at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) have made two groundbreaking discoveries that promise to change the way we observe and measure molecular forces in living cells.

Recently published in prestigious journals—Advanced Science and Angewandte Chemie—these innovations mark significant progress in the field of molecular mechanobiology. With these tools, researchers can now achieve unprecedented precision and durability in force imaging, as detailed by Dr. Isaac Li, an Associate Professor of Chemistry.

Introducing qtPAINT: The Future of Imaging Technology!

At the helm of this pioneering research is Dr. Li, who leads the effort as Canada Research Chair in Single-Molecule Biophysics and Mechanobiology. His team has engineered a revolutionary imaging technology known as qtPAINT.

qtPAINT emerges as the first imaging technique capable of measuring molecular forces with nanometer-level spatial accuracy and minute-scale time resolution. By uniting DNA-based molecular tension probes with state-of-the-art microscopy, it allows scientists to observe how minuscule mechanical forces operate inside living cells in real time.

Why Does This Matter?

Dr. Seongho Kim, the lead author on the qtPAINT study, emphasizes the significance of these findings: "Tiny molecular forces are crucial for many bodily functions, including fighting infections and healing wounds. Prior to qtPAINT, we could see where these forces occurred but lacked the ability to measure their intensity or changes over time."

Solving a Long-Standing Challenge!

Building on the success of qtPAINT, Dr. Li's team addressed a persistent issue that hindered the effectiveness of DNA-based tension probes—a rapid degradation caused by natural enzymes known as DNases.

To combat this challenge, the team introduced an innovative solution termed "decoy DNA," which involves adding extra harmless DNA strands to serve as sacrificial targets for DNases. This clever strategy significantly extends the active lifespan of the functional probes from mere hours to over 24 hours, or even several days!

A Game Changer for Cellular Force Measurements!

According to Hongyuan Zhang, the lead author of the decoy DNA study, this approach massively enhances both the stability and accuracy of cellular force measurements. "Instead of resorting to costly chemical modifications, our method is like distracting predators with decoys, protecting our DNA probes and vastly improving measurement quality and duration," Zhang comments.

Positioned for Scientific Breakthroughs!

These twin breakthroughs place UBCO researchers at the cutting edge of molecular force imaging, equipping scientists with powerful and accessible tools to explore the dynamics of life itself. Dr. Li notes, "Longer-lasting, quantitative force imaging allows researchers to probe deeper into intricate biological systems, opening doors to potential advancements in cancer research, immunology, and regenerative medicine."

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Discovery!

Dr. Li's lab specializes in harnessing single-molecule biophysics and mechanobiology, innovating advanced methods for visualizing and manipulating molecular forces in live cells. Their research encompasses designing mechanosensitive DNA nanostructures—tiny tools that react to physical forces—to control cellular movement and environmental sensing, along with creating high-throughput biophysical assays for drug discovery and diagnostics.

Employing an interdisciplinary framework that merges cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, nanotechnology, and bioengineering, the team has established a unique platform for transformative scientific discoveries.

A Vision for the Future!

"Our aim has always been to develop effective and accessible tools," states Dr. Li. "These studies reflect our ongoing commitment to creating technologies that facilitate significant discoveries across diverse areas of science."

Supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canada Research Chair program, and Michael Smith Health Research BC, Dr. Li's groundbreaking research embodies UBCO's dedication to advancing research with real-world impact.