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Tetraspanin-enriched microdomains regulate digitation junctions.

Chao Huang¹, Chenying Fu¹, Jonathan D Wren²

¹Stephenson Cancer Center and Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, BRC Building West Room 1474, 975 N.E. 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS

|March 29, 2018

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Tetraspanins form digitation junctions (DJs) between cells, influencing cell adhesion and communication. These structures involve tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) and regulate cell-cell interactions.

Keywords:

Cell–cell adhesion Cell–cell communication Integrin Microextrusion Nanotubule Tetraspanin

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Tetraspanins are key membrane proteins involved in cell-cell interactions.
Tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) regulate diverse cellular functions.
The role of tetraspanins in dynamic cell-cell structures remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of tetraspanins and associated molecules in digitation junctions (DJs).
To identify molecular regulators of DJ formation and function.
To understand the contribution of DJs to cell adhesion, migration, and communication.

Main Methods:

Immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize tetraspanins and associated molecules in DJs.
Biochemical assays to identify signaling pathways regulating DJs.
Cell culture models of epithelial, endothelial, and cancer cells.

Main Results:

Tetraspanins (CD9, CD81, CD82) and TEM-associated molecules are present in DJs.
Tetraspanins and associated molecules regulate DJ formation and development.
Actin cytoskeleton, RhoA, actomyosin activity, and growth factor receptor signaling pathways regulate DJs.

Conclusions:

Digitation junctions (DJs) are common, dynamic structures between cells involved in cell adhesion, migration, and communication.
TEMs likely modulate cellular functions through DJs.
DJ morphogenesis reflects a transition between cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion.