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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:...

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...

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...

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits. Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Using Cell-substrate Impedance and Live Cell Imaging to Measure Real-time Changes in Cellular Adhesion and De-adhesion Induced by Matrix Modification

Using Cell-substrate Impedance and Live Cell Imaging to Measure Real-time Changes in Cellular Adhesion and De-adhesion Induced by Matrix Modification

Published on: February 19, 2015

[Regulation of intercellular adhesion during epithelial morphogenesis].

Romain Levayer¹

¹Institut de Biologie du Developpement de Marseille Luminy, Marseille, France. romain.levayer@ibdml.univmed.fr

Biologie Aujourd'Hui

|November 23, 2012

Summary

Epithelial tissues form barriers using cell junctions. Maintaining tissue integrity during remodeling requires balancing junction stability and plasticity, crucial for development and disease.

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Using Cell-substrate Impedance and Live Cell Imaging to Measure Real-time Changes in Cellular Adhesion and De-adhesion Induced by Matrix Modification

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Published on: February 19, 2015

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

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Optogenetic Inhibition of Rho1-Mediated Actomyosin Contractility Coupled with Measurement of Epithelial Tension in Drosophila Embryos

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Area of Science:

Cell biology
Developmental biology
Biophysics

Context:

Epithelial tissues are vital for forming stable barriers in metazoans.
These barriers rely on intercellular junctions for insulation and cell-cell contact stabilization.
Epithelia undergo extensive remodeling during processes like wound healing, embryogenesis, and tumor progression.

Purpose:

This review elucidates the molecular mechanisms governing the balance between plasticity and robustness in epithelial tissues.
It aims to present a physical framework for describing epithelial cell shape.
The review details intercellular adhesion regulation and its role in epithelial morphogenesis, analyzing the interplay between adhesion and cortical tension.

Summary:

Epithelial robustness is maintained by intercellular junctions, with E-cadherin mediating adhesion.
A dynamic balance between junctional stability and plasticity is essential for tissue remodeling while preserving cohesion.
Adhesion forces and cortical tension are intrinsically linked, influencing epithelial behavior.

Impact:

Understanding this balance is critical for comprehending normal development and pathological conditions such as cancer.
This knowledge can inform therapeutic strategies targeting epithelial plasticity.
The review provides a framework for future research into epithelial mechanics and morphogenesis.