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Updated: Sep 28, 2025
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Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads
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Force-dependent intercellular adhesion strengthening underlies asymmetric adherens junction contraction
Kate E Cavanaugh1, Michael F Staddon2, Theresa A Chmiel3
1Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, James Franck Institute, Department of Physics, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|April 5, 2022
Summary
Mechanochemical signaling via RhoA drives cell shape changes during tissue development. This study reveals how force-dependent adhesion at cell junctions creates asymmetry, guiding tissue morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Tissue morphogenesis relies on cell-cell junction dynamics.
- RhoA-mediated mechanochemical signaling drives contractile forces.
- Mechanisms underlying asymmetric junction contraction are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of asymmetric vertex motion during tissue morphogenesis.
- To elucidate the role of RhoA signaling in generating junctional asymmetry.
- To develop biophysical models that capture observed cell junction dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optogenetically controlled RhoA activation in model epithelia.
- Employed pharmacological approaches to modulate RhoA activity.
- Developed and applied biophysical and continuum models for analysis.
Main Results:
- Both local and global RhoA activation induced asymmetric junction contraction.
- Standard vertex models failed to replicate observed junction dynamics.
- A local coupling between RhoA activation and E-cadherin accumulation was identified.
- Incorporating force-sensitive adhesion strengthening into models successfully captured junction dynamics.
Conclusions:
- A force-dependent intercellular 'clutch' at tricellular vertices stabilizes motion.
- This mechanism is sufficient to generate asymmetries in junction contraction.
- Findings provide insight into the regulation of cell shape during tissue development.
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