Biogenesis of N-cadherin-dependent cell-cell contacts in living fibroblasts is a microtubule-dependent kinesin-driven mechanism.
Cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion is a dynamic process that is regulated during embryonic development, cell migration, and differentiation. Different cadherins are expressed in specific tissues consistent with their roles in cell type recognition. In this study, we examine the formation of N-cadherin-dependent cell-cell contacts in fibroblasts and myoblasts. In contrast to E-cadherin, both endogenous and ectopically expressed N-cadherin shuttles between an intracellular and a plasma membrane pool. Initial formation of N-cadherin-dependent cell-cell contacts results from the recruitment of the intracellular pool of N-cadherin to the plasma membrane. N-cadherin also localizes to the Golgi apparatus and both secretory and endocytotic vesicles. We demonstrate that the intracellular pool of N-cadherin is tightly associated with the microtubule (MT) network and that junction formation requires MTs. In addition, localization of N-cadherin to the cortex is dependent on an intact F-actin cytoskeleton. We show that N-cadherin transport requires the MT network as well as the activity of the MT-associated motor kinesin. In conclusion, we propose that N-cadherin distribution is a regulated process promoted by cell-cell contact formation, which controls the biogenesis and turnover of the junctions through the MT network.
Mary
Sophie
S
Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Propre de Recherche 1086, 34293 Montpellier, France.
Charrasse
Sophie
S
Meriane
Mayya
M
Comunale
Franck
F
Travo
Pierre
P
Blangy
Anne
A
Gauthier-Rouvière
Cécile
C
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D000199:Actins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004705:Endocytosis; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006056:Golgi Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000378:metabolism; D016547:Kinesins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D014162:Transfection
D000199:Actins; D015820:Cadherins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D016547:Kinesins