J. M. Fernandez

Magnetic tweezers meets AFM: ultra-stable protein dynamics across the force spectrum

This paper develops a magnetic tweezers method capable of applying high forces with stability and resolution, demonstrating its use on the mechanostable protein FimA.

Talin Folding as the Tuning Fork of Cellular Mechanotransduction

This study shows talin acts as a mechanical bandpass filter, filtering out noise and detecting periodic force signals through its folding dynamics.

Direct Observation of a Coil-to-Helix Contraction Triggered by Vinculin Binding to Talin

The paper uses magnetic tweezers to observe vinculin-induced contraction of unfolded talin under force, revealing a force-dependent mechanism regulating mechanotransduction in focal adhesions.

A HaloTag-TEV genetic cassette for mechanical phenotyping of proteins from tissues

The paper introduces a HaloTag-TEV genetic cassette to study protein mechanics in native tissues, showing titin's role in muscle contraction under mechanical forces.

Protein folding modulates the adhesion strategy of Gram positive pathogens

This study shows how protein folding modulates the adhesion strategy of Gram positive pathogens by switching between reversible and irreversible bonding under different mechanical forces.

Large increases in emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from eutrophication in Lake Erie

The paper measures increased methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Lake Erie due to eutrophication, highlighting their climate impact.

Ephemeral states in protein folding under force captured with a novel magnetic tweezers design

This paper introduces a novel magnetic tweezers design to study protein folding under force, revealing that protein L transitions to weak collapsed states before folding into its native conformation.

The Mechanical Power of Protein Folding

This study shows disulfide bonds in titin Ig domains amplify mechanical power during muscle contraction by enabling high-force folding, boosting power output from 0 to 6,000 zeptowatts at 6.0 pN.

Molecular Strategy for Blocking Isopeptide Bond Formation in Nascent Pilin Proteins

This paper designs a peptide that blocks isopeptide bond formation in pilin proteins, reducing mechanical stability and demonstrating a potential strategy for anti-adhesive antibiotics.