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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another cell. These cell junctions are classified into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another cell. These cell junctions are classified into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...

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:...

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...

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading

Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading

Published on: May 22, 2021

Stability and dynamics of cell-cell junctions.

Claudio Collinet¹, Thomas Lecuit

¹Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille Luminy (IBDML), Unite Mixte de Recherche 6216, Case 907, Marseille, France.

Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science

|March 14, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Adherens junctions provide robust cell adhesion and plastic remodeling via cadherins and actin. Their dynamic interplay shapes tissues during development and wound healing.

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Developmental Biology
Biophysics

Background:

Adherens junctions are crucial for multicellular organism integrity, providing both stable cell-cell adhesion and dynamic remodeling.
Cadherins mediate adhesion through homophilic interactions, while their connection to the actin cytoskeleton is key for junction stability and plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the dual properties of adherens junctions, focusing on their robustness and plasticity.
To understand the molecular mechanisms governing cell-cell contact remodeling and epithelial morphogenesis.

Main Methods:

Investigated the roles of cadherins and the actin cytoskeleton in adherens junction dynamics.
Analyzed the regulation of actin polymerization, turnover, and actomyosin network forces.
Examined cadherin endocytosis and its influence on cell-cell contacts.

Main Results:

Cadherins interact with actin to stabilize junctions and regulate actin turnover.
Actin dynamics, including polymerization and actomyosin networks, influence cadherin turnover and cell-cell contact remodeling.
The integrated dynamics of adherens junctions and actomyosin networks drive epithelial morphogenesis.

Conclusions:

Adherens junctions exhibit a balance of stability and plasticity essential for development and repair.
The crosstalk between cadherins and the actin cytoskeleton is fundamental for cell adhesion and tissue shaping.
Understanding these dynamics provides insights into morphogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.