Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...

Catenins

Catenins

Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
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

Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Mechanical regulation of cuboidal-to-squamous epithelial transition in the Drosophila developing wing.

Current biology : CB·2026

Same author

Spatial patterning of contractility by a self-organized mechanogen activity gradient underlies Drosophila gastrulation.

Nature communications·2026

Same author

The hard truth about how hard it is to publish in Development.

Development (Cambridge, England)·2026

Same author

Mechanical regulation of substrate adhesion and de-adhesion drives a cell-contractile wave during Drosophila tissue morphogenesis.

Developmental cell·2023

Same author

Serotonin signaling regulates actomyosin contractility during morphogenesis in evolutionarily divergent lineages.

Nature communications·2023

Same author

Growth anisotropy of the extracellular matrix shapes a developing organ.

Nature communications·2023

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads

Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads

Published on: March 8, 2017

alpha-catenin mechanosensing for adherens junctions.

Thomas Lecuit¹

¹Thomas Lecuit is in IBDML, UMR6216 CNRS-Université de la Méditerranée, Campus de Luminy, Case 907. 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France. lecuit@ibdml.univ-mrs.fr

Nature Cell Biology

|May 11, 2010

Summary

Epithelial integrity relies on E-cadherin mediating cell adhesion and actomyosin tension. New findings show alpha-catenin strengthens this link, similar to integrin regulation in cell mechanics.

Area of Science:

Cell biology
Biophysics
Developmental biology

Background:

Epithelial tissues require a balance between cohesion and remodeling for proper function and development.
E-cadherin is a key cell adhesion molecule crucial for epithelial integrity and morphogenesis.
Actomyosin tension plays a vital role in cell-cell adhesion and tissue dynamics.

Discussion:

This study investigates the molecular mechanisms linking actomyosin tension to E-cadherin-mediated adhesion.
The research highlights the role of alpha-catenin in reinforcing the mechanical coupling between the actin cytoskeleton and E-cadherin.
Similarities are drawn between E-cadherin-actin-alpha-catenin complex and integrin-cytoskeleton interactions.

Key Insights:

Actomyosin tension enhances the mechanical linkage between actin filaments and E-cadherin via alpha-catenin.

More Related Videos

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules

Published on: October 17, 2014

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro

Published on: August 27, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads

Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads

Published on: March 8, 2017

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules

Published on: October 17, 2014

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro

Published on: August 27, 2015

Alpha-catenin acts as a critical mediator, strengthening the physical connection at adherens junctions.

The findings reveal conserved principles in how cells regulate adhesion and mechanical force transmission.

Outlook:

Further research can explore how this alpha-catenin-mediated reinforcement impacts epithelial morphogenesis and disease.
Investigating the dynamic regulation of this complex in response to mechanical cues is warranted.
Comparative studies with integrin-based adhesions can provide deeper insights into mechanotransduction pathways.