title: Integration of actin dynamics and cell adhesion by a three-dimensional, mechanosensitive molecular clutch.
abstract: During cell migration, the forces generated in the actin cytoskeleton are transmitted across transmembrane receptors to the extracellular matrix or other cells through a series of mechanosensitive, regulable protein-protein interactions termed the molecular clutch. In integrin-based focal adhesions, the proteins forming this linkage are organized into a conserved three-dimensional nano-architecture. Here we discuss how the physical interactions between the actin cytoskeleton and focal-adhesion-associated molecules mediate force transmission from the molecular clutch to the extracellular matrix.
authors.affiliation: Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Lindsay B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Case
authors.affiliation: Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Clare M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Waterman
mesh_terms: D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism*; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002465:Cell Movement; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D022001:Focal Adhesions / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular; D011312:Pressure; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D016023:Integrins