Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
Late domain dependent E-cadherin recruitment into extracellular vesicles
Sebastian Bänfer1, Sophie Kutscher1, Fenja Fleck1
1Department of Cell Biology and Cell Pathology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
E-cadherin is recruited into extracellular vesicles (EVs) via a mechanism involving the ESCRT-I component Tsg101 and a specific motif in E-cadherin. This process is crucial for exosomal E-cadherin secretion.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- E-cadherin mediates epithelial cell-cell adhesion and signaling.
- E-cadherin is detected in exosomal fractions from human body fluids.
- The mechanism for E-cadherin recruitment into extracellular vesicles (EVs) remains undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the cellular mechanism of E-cadherin incorporation into EVs.
- To identify the molecular components involved in E-cadherin exosomal secretion.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of exosomal fractions.
- Investigating the role of Tsg101 and the P(S/T)AP late domain motif.
- Mutational analysis of the E-cadherin cytoplasmic tail.
Main Results:
- E-cadherin is incorporated into the EV membrane with its extracellular domain exposed.
- Recruitment depends on the ESCRT-I component Tsg101.
- A conserved P(S/T)AP late domain motif in E-cadherin mediates Tsg101 interaction.
- Mutation of the P(S/T)AP motif significantly reduces exosomal E-cadherin secretion.
Conclusions:
- The P(S/T)AP late domain-mediated exosomal recruitment process is utilized by endogenous E-cadherin.
- This mechanism highlights a novel pathway for transmembrane protein sorting into EVs.
Related Concept Videos
Structure of Cadherins
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
Clathrin Coated Vesicles
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...

