Synthesis of highly stable two-dimensional single-layer assemblies (SLAs) is a key challenge in supramolecular science, especially those with long-range molecular order and well-defined morphology. Here, thin (thickness < 2 nm) triangular Au I -thiolate SLAs with high thermo-, solvato-and mechano-stability have been synthesized via a double-ligand co-assembly strategy. Furthermore, the SLAs show assembly-level elastic and anisotropic deformation responses to external stimuli as a result of the long-range anisotropic molecular packing, which provides SLAs with new application potentials in bio-mimic nanomechanics.

Synthesis of highly stable two-dimensional single-layer assemblies (SLAs) is a key challenge in supramolecular science, especially those with long-range molecular order and well-defined morphology. Here, thin (thickness < 2 nm) triangular Au I -thiolate SLAs with high thermo-, solvato-and mechano-stability have been synthesized via a double-ligand co-assembly strategy. Furthermore, the SLAs show assembly-level elastic and anisotropic deformation responses to external stimuli as a result of the long-range anisotropic molecular packing, which provides SLAs with new application potentials in bio-mimic nanomechanics.

Numerous studies have investigated the various cellular responses against genotoxic stress, including those mediated by focal adhesions. We here identified a novel type of focal adhesion remodelling that occurs under genotoxic stress conditions, which involves the replacement of active focal adhesion kinase (FAK) with FAK-related non-kinase (FRNK). FRNK stabilized focal adhesions, leading to strong cell-matrix adhesion, and FRNK-depleted cells were easily detached from extracellular matrix upon genotoxic stress. This remodelling occurred in a wide variety of cells. In vivo, the stomachs of Frnk-knockout mice were severely damaged by genotoxic stress, highlighting the protective role of FRNK against genotoxic stress. FRNK was also found to play a vital role in cancer progression, because FRNK depletion significantly inhibited cancer dissemination and progression in a mouse cancer model. Furthermore, in human cancers, FRNK was predominantly expressed in metastatic tissues and not in primary tissues. We hence conclude that this novel type of focal adhesion remodelling reinforces cell adhesion and acts against genotoxic stress, which results in the protection of normal tissues, but in turn facilitates cancer progression.