Observing force-regulated conformational changes and ligand dissociation from a single integrin on cells

As adhesion molecules, integrins connect a cell to its environment and transduce signals across the membrane. Their different functional states correspond to distinct conformations. Using a biomembrane force probe, we observed real-time reversible switches between bent and extended conformations of a single integrin, alpha(L)beta(2), on the surface of a living cell by measuring its nanometer-scale headpiece displacements, bending and unbending frequencies, and molecular stiffness changes. We determined the stabilities of these conformations, their dynamic equilibrium, speeds and rates of conformational changes, and the impact of divalent cations and tensile forces. We quantified how initial and subsequent conformations of alpha(L)beta(2) regulate the force-dependent kinetics of dissociation from intercellular adhesion molecule 1. Our findings provide new insights into how integrins function as nanomachines to precisely control cell adhesion and signaling.