Molecular dynamics simulations reveal how vinculin refolds partially unfolded talin rod helices to stabilize them against mechanical force

Vinculin binds to specific sites of mechanically unfolded talin rod domains to reinforce the coupling of the cell’s exterior to its force generation machinery. Force-dependent vinculin–talin complexation and dissociation was previously observed as contraction or extension of the unfolded talin domains respectively using magnetic tweezers. However, the structural mechanism underlying vinculin recognition of unfolded vinculin binding sites (VBSs) in talin remains unknown. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that a VBS dynamically refolds under force, and that vinculin can recognize and bind to partially unfolded VBS states. Vinculin binding enables refolding of the mechanically strained VBS and stabilizes its folded α-helical conformation, providing resistance against mechanical stress. Together, these results provide an understanding of a recognition mechanism of proteins unfolded by force and insight into the initial moments of how vinculin binds unfolded talin rod domains during the assembly of this mechanosensing meshwork.