Article abstract
Nature Cell Biology 2, 313 - 317 (2000)
Published online: 28 April 2000 | doi:10.1038/35014000
Discrete interactions in cell adhesion measured by single-molecule force spectroscopy
Martin Benoit1, Daniela Gabriel2, Günther Gerisch2 & Hermann E. Gaub1
Abstract
Cell–cell adhesion mediated by specific cell-surface molecules is
essential for multicellular development. Here we quantify de-adhesion forces
at the resolution of individual cell-adhesion molecules, by controlling the
interactions between single cells and combining single-molecule force spectroscopy
with genetic manipulation. Our measurements are focused on a glycoprotein,
contact site A (csA), as a prototype of cell-adhesion proteins. csA is expressed
in aggregating cells of Dictyostelium discoideum, which are engaged
in development of a multicellular organism. Adhesion between two adjacent
cell surfaces involves discrete interactions characterized by an unbinding
force of 23 
8 pN, measured at a rupture rate of 2.5 0.5
m s–1.
-
Centre for Nanoscience, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
München, Amalienstra
e 54, D-80799
München, Germany
- Max Planck Institut für Biochemie, Am Klopferspitz 18a, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
Correspondence to: Martin Benoit1 e-mail: Martin.Benoit@physik.uni-muenchen.de
