Active tension: the role of cadherin adhesion and signaling in generating junctional contractility.
In this chapter, we discuss the cell biology of contractility at cell-cell junctions. As discussed elsewhere in this volume, contractile forces play key roles in development and tissue homeostasis. Here, we review our understanding of the cellular mechanisms that functionally and physically link cadherin adhesion to the actomyosin contractile apparatus of the cell. Focusing on epithelia, we argue that E-cadherin junctions can be considered as active mechanical agents, which contribute to the assembly of actomyosin at the junctional cortex itself. This reflects cortical signaling, notably that regulated by the Rho GTPase, coordinated with actin regulation at junctions. The product, contractile tension at junctions, can then be regarded as an emergent property of a complex dynamical system that integrates adhesion with the cytoskeleton.
Division of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Rashmi
R
Priya
Division of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: a.yap@uq.edu.au.
Alpha S
AS
Yap
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism*; D000205:Actomyosin / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000378:metabolism*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D015820:Cadherins; D000205:Actomyosin
Actomyosin; Cadherin; Cytoskeleton; Signaling