A novel FRET-based DNA nanosensor to quantify clustering forces of membrane proteins

Abstract

Membrane proteins play a crucial role in various biological phenomena such as endocytosis and signal transduction. These phenomena are heavily dependent on the clustering of membrane proteins. While the propensity of proteins to cluster on the cell membrane has been well established, the physical mechanisms that govern this behavior are far from clear. Furthermore, the tools to be able to measure the forces responsible for the clustering of membrane proteins have not been developed yet. To bridge this gap, we have combined elements from biophysics, cellular and chemical biology, and biochemistry, to develop a highly sensitive FRET-based DNA nanosensor.