Architecture of cell-cell adhesion mediated by sidekicks
Hua Tang1,2,3,4, Haishuang Chang1,2,3,4, Yue Dong1,2,3,4
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences 201210 Shanghai, China.
Summary
Cell adhesion molecules like Sidekick are crucial for development. New electron microscopy reveals how their domains mediate cell-cell connections, impacting neural growth.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cell biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cell-cell adhesion is vital for organism development and neural network formation.
- Crystallography has detailed adhesion molecule structures but not their interface organization.
- Technical limitations have hindered understanding of cell adhesion molecule organization at interfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structure and organization of cell-cell adhesion mediated by Sidekick molecules.
- To obtain 3D views of Sidekick-mediated adhesion interfaces and molecular organization between cell membranes.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy
- Electron tomography
- Biophysical methods
Main Results:
- 3D structural views of Sidekick-mediated cell adhesion interfaces were obtained.
- Distinct roles for Ig-like and fibronectin III (FnIII) domains in Sidekick-mediated adhesion were identified.
- Ig-like domains mediate homophilic trans-interactions, while FnIII domains interact with membranes.
Conclusions:
- Sidekick's domain organization facilitates tight cell-cell adhesion interfaces.
- This mechanism contributes to the specificity and plasticity of cell contacts during development.
- Understanding Sidekick structure provides insights into neural development and cell growth.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Cell Adhesion in Plants
3.4K
Plants have rigid cell walls that are made up of cell wall polysaccharides that mediate cell-cell adhesion. The primary cell walls of plants consist of two independent and interacting polysaccharide networks: a pectin matrix that embeds the second network comprising cellulose and hemicelluloses.
Pectins are complex heteropolymers mainly composed of negatively-charged α-D-glucopyranosyl uronic acid and some neutral glycosyl residues such as α-L-rhamnopyranose, α-L-arabinofuranose,...
Pectins are complex heteropolymers mainly composed of negatively-charged α-D-glucopyranosyl uronic acid and some neutral glycosyl residues such as α-L-rhamnopyranose, α-L-arabinofuranose,...
3.4K
01:31Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
4.4K
Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
4.4K
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
9.7K
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...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved...
9.7K
01:14Adhesion
44.5K
Adhesion occurs when one type of molecule is attracted to a different molecule. Water exhibits adhesive properties in the presence of polar surfaces, such as glass or cellulose in plants. For instance, when water is poured into a glass, the positively charged hydrogen molecules of water are more attracted to the negatively charged oxygen molecules in the silica than to the oxygen in neighboring water molecules.
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow...
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow...
44.5K
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
84.1K
Overview
84.1K
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
7.5K
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
7.5K