Measuring cell-cell tugging forces using bowtie-patterned mPADs (microarray post detectors).

Cells generate traction forces upon adhesion to the extracellular matrix as well as to neighboring cells. These forces are important for the growth and maintenance of adhesion structures such as focal adhesions and adherens junctions, and may play roles in tissue development. Here, we describe a method for measuring the tugging force transmitted across the cell-cell junction between two paired cells.