2022-09-03
Weak catch bonds make strong networks
Publication
Publication
Nature Mater. , Volume 21 - Issue 9 p. 1019- 1023
Molecular catch bonds are ubiquitous in biology and essential for processes like leucocyte extravasion1 and cellular mechanosensing2. Unlike normal (slip) bonds, catch bonds strengthen under tension. The current paradigm is that this feature provides ‘strength on demand3’, thus enabling cells to increase rigidity under stress1,4,5,6. However, catch bonds are often weaker than slip bonds because they have cryptic binding sites that are usually buried7,8. Here we show that catch bonds render reconstituted cytoskeletal actin networks stronger than slip bonds, even though the individual bonds are weaker. Simulations show that slip bonds remain trapped in stress-free areas, whereas weak binding allows catch bonds to mitigate crack initiation by moving to high-tension areas. This ‘dissociation on demand’ explains how cells combine mechanical strength with the adaptability required for shape change, and is relevant to diseases where catch bonding is compromised7,9, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis10 caused by the α-actinin-4 mutant studied here. We surmise that catch bonds are the key to create life-like materials.
Additional Metadata | |
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NPG , Springer Nature | |
European Research Council (ERC) , The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) | |
doi.org/10.1038/s41563-022-01288-0 | |
Nature Mater. | |
Organisation | Biophysics |
Mulla, Y., Avellaneda, M., Roland, A., Baldauf, L., Jung, W., Kim, T., … Koenderink, G. (2022). Weak catch bonds make strong networks. Nature Mater., 21(9), 1019–1023. doi:10.1038/s41563-022-01288-0 |