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Related Concept Videos

Cadherins in Tissue Organization01:19

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

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The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
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Structure of Cadherins01:25

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The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins”   is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This...
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Catenins

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Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
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Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types –  adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as  epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as  heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
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Anchoring Junctions01:03

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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:...
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Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
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Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
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Slug and E-Cadherin: Stealth Accomplices?

Esta Sterneck1, Dipak K Poria1, Kuppusamy Balamurugan1

  • 1Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States.

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
|August 8, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Slug (SNAI2) functions beyond epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), particularly in mammary stem cells. Slug may cooperate with E-cadherin (CDH1) in basal epithelial cells, driving their phenotype rather than solely promoting EMT.

Keywords:
E-cadherin (CDH1)Slug (SNAI2)basalbreast cancerepithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)luminalmammary gland

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Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
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Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Cancer research
  • Stem cell biology

Background:

  • Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for development and disease, conferring invasiveness in cancer.
  • Snail family proteins, Snail (SNAI1) and Slug (SNAI2), are key EMT regulators but have distinct functions.
  • Slug's role extends beyond EMT, influencing stem cell behavior and various pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight Slug's functions in mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer.
  • To explore Slug's role as a non-EMT factor in basal epithelial and stem cells.
  • To investigate the potential cooperation between Slug and E-cadherin.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and perspective synthesis.
  • Analysis of existing reports on Slug expression and function.
  • Focus on studies showing Slug and E-cadherin co-expression.

Main Results:

  • Slug expression does not always correlate with complete EMT or E-cadherin loss.
  • Slug plays roles in mammary epithelial cell differentiation and stem cell self-renewal.
  • Co-expression of Slug and E-cadherin in basal-like epithelial cells is observed.

Conclusions:

  • Slug may function independently of complete EMT, driving a basal epithelial cell phenotype.
  • Slug and E-cadherin might cooperate in normal mammary gland and breast cancer stem cells.
  • Functional assessment of Slug+/E-cadherin low/+ cells is advocated.