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Related Concept Videos

Cadherins in Tissue Organization01:19

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

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...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

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...
Cell Migration01:19

Cell Migration

Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.
Cell Migration01:09

Cell Migration

Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation01:31

Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation

Cells migrating in response to external stimuli form lamellipodia, which are thin membrane protrusions supported by a mesh of linked, branched, or unbranched actin filaments. These actin filaments interact with myosin motor proteins, creating the dynamic actomyosin complex within the cytoskeleton. Contractility, or the ability to generate contractile stress, is inherent to the actomyosin complex. It helps cells detect the stiffness of the surrounding ECM and exert contractile force for...

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Related Experiment Video

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Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads
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Spatial organization of adhesion: force-dependent regulation and function in tissue morphogenesis.

Ekaterina Papusheva1, Carl-Philipp Heisenberg

  • 1Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria.

The EMBO Journal
|August 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Cell adhesion molecules like integrins and cadherins sense mechanical forces, regulating cell shape and tissue development. This review explores how these adhesion sites respond to mechanical stimuli to control cell migration and morphogenesis.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Integrin- and cadherin-mediated adhesion are crucial for maintaining cell and tissue integrity during morphogenesis.
  • Mechanosensation in cell culture models is primarily achieved through force-mediated alterations in adhesion structure composition.
  • Adhesion site composition dictates their signaling activity and dynamic reorganization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how adhesion sites respond to mechanical stimuli.
  • To elucidate how spatially and temporally regulated signaling from adhesion sites controls cell migration and tissue morphogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cell adhesion, mechanosensation, and morphogenesis.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying force-mediated changes in adhesion sites.
  • Synthesis of findings on signaling pathways involved in cell migration and tissue development.

Main Results:

  • Adhesion sites dynamically reorganize in response to mechanical forces.
  • Molecular composition of adhesion sites is modulated by applied forces, influencing signaling.
  • Spatiotemporal signaling from diverse adhesion sites orchestrates cell migration and tissue morphogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanical stimuli are key regulators of cell adhesion dynamics and signaling.
  • Understanding adhesion site responses to force is essential for comprehending cell migration and tissue development.
  • Targeting adhesion site signaling pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for developmental disorders and cancer metastasis.