Forces hold everything together and determine its structure and dynamics. In particular, tiny
forces of 1-100 piconewtons govern the structures and dynamics of biomacromolecules …

Extended synaptotagmins (E-Syts) mediate lipid exchange between the endoplasmic
reticulum (ER) and the plasma membrane (PM). Anchored on the ER, E-Syts bind the PM via …

In anaphase, any unresolved DNA entanglements between the segregating sister
chromatids can give rise to chromatin bridges. To prevent genome instability, chromatin …

Synaptic-s oluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor a ttachment re ceptor (SNARE) proteins
couple their stage-wise folding/assembly to rapid exocytosis of neurotransmitters in a …

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are
evolutionarily conserved machines that couple their folding/assembly to membrane fusion …

How proteins fold from linear chains of amino acids to delicate three-dimensional structures
remains a fundamental biological problem. Single-molecule manipulation based on high …

Optical tweezers (OTs) measure the force-dependent time-resolved extension of a single
macromolecule tethered between two trapped beads. From this measurement, it is possible …

Despite their wide applications in soluble macromolecules, optical tweezers have rarely
been used to characterize the dynamics of membrane proteins, mainly due to the lack of …

HIV-1 glycoprotein 41 (gp41) mediates viral entry into host cells by coupling its folding
energy to membrane fusion. Gp41 folding is blocked by fusion inhibitors, including the …

Intracellular membrane fusion is primarily driven by coupled folding and assembly of soluble
N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). SNARE …