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Updated: May 15, 2026
08:15
Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
Cadherin-based intercellular adhesions organize epithelial cell-matrix traction forces
Aaron F Mertz1, Yonglu Che, Shiladitya Banerjee
1Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Summary
Cell-cell adhesions coordinate cell forces on the extracellular matrix (ECM). Strong cadherin adhesions concentrate cell traction forces at colony edges, impacting tissue mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Cellular mechanics
- Biophysics
- Tissue engineering
Background:
- Cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions are vital for tissue function.
- Interactions between these adhesion types and their mechanical impact are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how cell-cell adhesions influence mechanical coupling to the extracellular matrix (ECM).
- To reveal the role of intercellular adhesions in modulating forces transmitted to the ECM.
Main Methods:
- Utilized primary mouse keratinocytes in colony formation assays.
- Combined experimental approaches with theoretical modeling.
- Manipulated cadherin-based adhesions genetically and via antibodies.
Main Results:
- In absence of cadherin adhesions, cells exerted forces throughout the colony.
- With strong cadherin adhesions, forces localized to the colony periphery.
- Cadherin adhesions were essential for mechanical cooperativity.
Conclusions:
- Cadherin-based cell-cell adhesions are crucial for coordinating mechanical activity in epithelial cells.
- Findings have implications for understanding tissue development, homeostasis, and disease.
- Cell-cell adhesions mechanically regulate cell-matrix force transmission.
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