title: Force transmission in epithelial tissues.
abstract: In epithelial tissues, cells constantly generate and transmit forces between each other. Forces generated by the actomyosin cytoskeleton regulate tissue shape and structure and also provide signals that influence cells' decisions to divide, die, or differentiate. Forces are transmitted across epithelia because cells are mechanically linked through junctional complexes, and forces can propagate through the cell cytoplasm. Here, we review some of the molecular mechanisms responsible for force generation, with a specific focus on the actomyosin cortex and adherens junctions. We then discuss evidence for how these mechanisms promote cell shape changes and force transmission in tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Claudia G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Vasquez
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Adam C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000205:Actomyosin / Q000378:metabolism*; D022005:Adherens Junctions / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000205:Actomyosin
keywords: •••