Automated cell membrane tension controller for studying mechanotransduction
Unmet Need
Force-gated ion channels embedded in the cell membrane are central to mechanotransduction – the process by which mechanical forces are converted into electrochemical signals that regulate cellular behaviors such as motility, adhesion, and identity. Pressure-clamp electrophysiology is widely used to study mechanotransduction, but force-gated ion channels respond directly to membrane tension rather than pressure. To recover tension measurements, current methods utilize differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging that requires labor-intensive manual analysis of membrane curvature, limiting accuracy, reproducibility, and preventing tension measurement in real time. There is a clear need for a system that can automatically monitor and control membrane tension to enable more accurate and efficient study of mechanosensitive components.
Technology
Duke inventors have developed a fully integrated, closed-loop system that automatically manipulates membrane tension in real time. This system is intended to improve the study of force-gated ion channels – offering a more accurate and efficient means of precisely executing tension-step and tension-ramp protocols. Specifically, this is a fully integrated closed-loop system that provides real time control of membrane tension by directly linking an image-based pressure-monitoring module with a high-speed pressure clamp. The image analysis module utilizes AI image classification to automatically identify and analyze the membrane patch. By eliminating costly manual fitting and analysis, this innovation is poised to improve data quality and increase throughput. This system has been demonstrated to dynamically regulate tension, rapidly reaching and maintaining a wide range of physiologically relevant tension targets.
Other Applications
This technology could be incorporated in an automated patch-clamp electrophysiology system.
Advantages
- Improved accuracy and reproducibility: This system eliminates the need for slow, subjective, manual fitting, providing real-time measurement and control of membrane tension. This innovation significantly improves the precision and reproducibility of mechanotransduction studies.
- Increased throughput: Automated tension measurement and control streamlines experiments, boosting efficiency.
- Enhanced experimental capabilities: Automated tension protocols enable dynamic and comprehensive mechanotransduction studies.