Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
Using a mathematical model of cadherin-based adhesion to understand the function of the actin cytoskeleton
J C Dallon1, Elijah Newren, Marc D H Hansen
1Department of Mathematics, Brigham Young University, TMCB 312, Provo, Utah 84602-6539, USA.
Abstract:
The actin cytoskeleton plays a role in cell-cell adhesion but its specific function is not clear. Actin might anchor cadherins or drive membrane protrusions in order to facilitate cell-cell adhesion. Using a mathematical model of the forces involved in cadherin-based adhesion, we investigate its possible functions. The immersed boundary method is used to model the cell membrane and cortex with cadherin binding forces added as linear springs. The simulations indicate that cells in suspension can develop normal cell-cell contacts without actin-based cadherin anchoring or membrane protrusions. The cadherins can be fixed in the membrane or free to move, and the end results are similar. For adherent cells, simulations suggest that the actin cytoskeleton must play an active role for the cells to establish cell-cell contact regions similar to those observed in vitro.
Related Concept Videos
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
Structure of Cadherins
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Catenins
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the adherens...
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments
The high-order actin networks...
