Cell-cell junctional proteins in cardiovascular mechanotransduction.
Cell-cell junctional proteins play important structural and functional roles in several physiological systems. Recent studies have illuminated key aspects in the relationship of junctional proteins with normal cell and tissue function as well as various pathologies. In this review article, the roles of cell-cell junctional proteins will be presented in four classes: adherens junctions, desmosomes, gap junctions, and tight junctions, and discussed primarily in the context of cardiovascular cell and tissue physiology and pathophysiology. The functions of the proteins are described from the perspective of mechanotransductive regulation of physiological and disease processes, with focus being laid on more biomechanical aspects, such as cell adhesion, migration, and mechanosignaling.
Biomedical Engineering Departmental Office, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA. jem2199@columbia.edu
Jarett E
JE
Michaelson
Hayden
H
Huang
D022005:Adherens Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D003896:Desmosomes / Q000502:physiology; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000502:physiology*; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D019108:Tight Junctions / Q000502:physiology
D008565:Membrane Proteins