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Published on: May 26, 2011
Cadherin-mediated transmembrane interactions
S Levenberg1, E Sadot, P Goichberg
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Cell Adhesion and Communication
|November 21, 1998
Summary
Cadherin ligands bind cells, triggering signals that impact cell adhesion and migration. This interaction enhances cell-cell junctions and influences cadherin levels, crucial for cell dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cadherins are crucial cell adhesion molecules.
- N-cadherin mediates cell-cell interactions and influences cell behavior.
- Understanding cadherin ligand interactions is key to cell dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cadherin ligands on cell adhesion and dynamics.
- To explore how soluble and immobilized ligands influence N-cadherin expressing cells.
- To determine the impact of cadherin-ligand interactions on adherens junctions and cell signaling.
Main Methods:
- Utilized recombinant N-cadherin extracellular domain (NEC) addition to cell cultures.
- Employed monoclonal antibodies to block cadherin interactions.
- Investigated cell aggregation, migration (in vitro wound assay), and adherens junction formation.
- Examined effects on cells with varying N-cadherin expression levels, including CHO cells and myoblasts.
- Assessed the impact of surface geometry on ligand-receptor interactions.
Main Results:
- Soluble and immobilized cadherin ligands bind compatible cadherins, inducing long-range signals.
- Recombinant NEC enhanced calcium-dependent cell aggregation and inhibited migration.
- Blocking antibodies reduced aggregation and promoted wound closure.
- NEC-coupled beads and surfaces specifically enhanced adherens junction formation in various cell types.
- Adhesion stimulation was independent of surface geometry.
- Ligand interaction increased total N-cadherin and beta-catenin levels in cells with low endogenous N-cadherin.
Conclusions:
- Cadherin ligands act as signaling molecules affecting cell adhesion and dynamics.
- N-cadherin-ligand interactions stabilize the cadherin-catenin complex, influencing cell behavior.
- These findings have implications for understanding cell-cell communication and tissue organization.
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