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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

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Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...
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The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells01:10

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Actin and myosin or actomyosin filaments also play a significant role in cells other than those involved in muscle contraction (which occurs within the sarcomere of muscle cells). The mechanism of non-muscle cell contractile bundles was first observed in Dictyostelium and Acanthamoeba. In non-muscle cells, two bundles are commonly found: stress fibers and actomyosin adherence belts. These contractile bundles are smaller and less organized than the ones found in muscle cells. They  are held...
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Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

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The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
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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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Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

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The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another  cell. These cell junctions are classified  into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight...
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Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

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In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
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Actomyosin fibers DApPLE epithelial apical junctions.

Alejandra R Manzano1, Fernando Martín-Belmonte1

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Discover how DAPLE protein links cell polarity to the actomyosin network, regulating epithelial cell shape and function. This finding clarifies mechanisms essential for cellular homeostasis.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Epithelial cell morphology is crucial for maintaining tissue function and overall homeostasis.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms governing cell shape establishment, particularly the connection between polarity and the cytoskeleton, are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key molecular players linking cellular polarity complexes to the actomyosin cytoskeleton at apical junctions.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways regulated by these linkers in establishing and maintaining epithelial cell shape.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize protein localization at apical junctions.
  • Biochemical assays to study protein-protein interactions and signaling pathway activation.
  • Genetic manipulation (e.g., knockdowns or mutations) to assess the functional role of identified proteins.

Main Results:

  • DAPLE (Dishevelled-associated protein in the lateral epicardium) was identified as a critical linker protein at apical junctions.
  • DAPLE was shown to recruit the protein CD2P (Cytoplasmic dynein light chain-associated protein).
  • DAPLE activation of Gαβγ-mediated RhoA signaling was demonstrated, which is essential for regulating actomyosin contractility.

Conclusions:

  • DAPLE acts as a crucial molecular bridge connecting apical polarity complexes with the actomyosin cytoskeleton.
  • The DAPLE-CD2P-Gαβγ-RhoA signaling axis is vital for establishing and maintaining proper epithelial cell morphology and function.
  • These findings provide new insights into the regulation of cell shape, a fundamental aspect of cellular homeostasis.