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Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
E-cadherin dynamics is regulated by galectin-7 at epithelial cell surface
Tamara Advedissian1, Véronique Proux-Gillardeaux1,2, Rachel Nkosi1
1Team Morphogenesis, Homeostasis and Pathologies, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 7592, Institut Jacques Monod, 15 Rue Hélène Brion, 75013, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Re-epithelialisation of wounded epidermis is ensured by collective cell migration of keratinocytes. Efficient collective migration requires the maintenance of intercellular adhesion, notably through adherens junctions, to favour cell communication, support tension forces and coordinated movement . Galectin-7, a soluble lectin expressed in stratified epithelia, has been previously implicated in cell migration and intercellular adhesion. Here, we revealed a new function of galectin-7 in the control of directionality and collective behaviour in migrating keratinocytes. Consistently, we identified galectin-7 as a direct partner of E-cadherin, a key component of adherens junctions. Unexpectedly, this interaction does not require glycosylation motifs. Focusing on the underlying mechanisms, we showed that galectin-7 stabilizes E-cadherin at the plasma membrane, restraining its endocytosis. Interestingly, galectin-7 silencing decreases E-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion. Consequently, this study not only identifies a new stabilizer of adherens junctions but also emphasises the importance of the interplay between E-cadherin turnover and intercellular adhesion strength.
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