Identifying mechanoregulated protein interactions using a novel in vitro protein stretching method

Disturbed cellular signaling can lead to the onset and progression of various diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis. It is now clear that in parallel with electrical and chemical signals, mechanical forces mediate cellular signaling. However, the proteins and molecular mechanisms mediating mechanical signaling in the cell are still poorly understood. Furthermore, the methods currently used to study protein interactions are not applicable to the identification of mechanically regulated protein interactions. In this study, I will develop a novel method for the identification and characterization of protein interactions activated by mechanical forces. Using this method, I aim to identify previously unknown mechanoregulated interactions in central structural and signaling proteins. The results of this study will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind mechanical signaling and facilitate the development of new drugs and therapies to treat human diseases.