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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Measurement of Force-Sensitive Protein Dynamics in Living Cells Using a Combination of Fluorescent Techniques
Published on: November 2, 2018
Molecular bases of cell-cell junctions stability and dynamics
Matthieu Cavey1, Thomas Lecuit
1IBDML, UMR CNRS-Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
This review explores how mechanical forces regulate epithelial cell-cell junctions. It details how actin dynamics and myosin-II activity control junction assembly, stability, and remodeling during development.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Epithelial cell-cell junctions, specifically apical adherens junctions (AJs), involve cadherin molecules and the actin cytoskeleton.
- Maintaining tissue integrity and enabling remodeling requires precise regulation of AJ stability and dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct stages in cell-cell junction lifespan: assembly, maintenance, and remodeling.
- To illustrate how mechanical forces are generated and transmitted at junctions during development.
- To explain the impact of these forces on junction integrity and tissue remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cell-cell junctions, actin dynamics, and mechanical forces.
- Analysis of developmental contexts to exemplify force generation and transmission at AJs.
- Focus on the interplay between actin-myosin II activity and AJ regulation.
Main Results:
- Actin filament turnover and myosin-II activity are critical for AJ dynamics.
- Mechanical forces generated at junctions influence both AJ integrity and tissue remodeling.
- Distinct developmental processes highlight the dynamic regulation of AJs.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the mechanical regulation of AJs is key to comprehending tissue development and homeostasis.
- The interplay between cytoskeletal forces and adhesion molecules governs tissue morphogenesis.
- Future research should further elucidate the precise mechanisms of force transmission and sensing at AJs.
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