Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
11:31

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

Published on: May 30, 2017

Junctional Adhesion Molecules (JAMs) are differentially expressed in fibroblasts and co-localize with ZO-1 to

Andrew P Morris1, Ahmad Tawil, Zuzana Berkova

  • 1Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas at Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

Cell Communication & Adhesion
|August 19, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Junctional Adhesion Molecules (JAMs) are present in fibroblast junctions, particularly JAM-C in dermal fibroblasts. This finding extends the known roles of JAMs beyond epithelial and endothelial cells into mesenchymal tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Junctional Adhesion Molecules (JAMs) are established regulators of epithelial and endothelial tight junctions.
  • The molecular composition of fibroblast adherens-like junctions is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression profiles of JAMs in various fibroblast cultures.
  • To determine the role of JAMs in fibroblast cell-cell adhesion.

Main Methods:

  • Immunostaining of primary human and murine fibroblast cultures.
  • Co-localization studies with ZO-1, N-Cadherin, and Cadherin-11.

Main Results:

  • JAM-C was identified in human dermal, lung, and corneal fibroblasts.
  • JAM-A and JAM-C were found in different murine fibroblast lines.
  • In dermal fibroblasts, JAM-C localized to adherens-like junctions, co-localizing with ZO-1, N-Cadherin, and Cadherin-11.

Conclusions:

  • Endogenous JAM-C is a component of dermal fibroblast adherens-like junctions.
  • JAM expression and function extend to mesenchymal tissues, broadening their known biological roles.

More Related Videos

Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads07:55

Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads

Published on: March 8, 2017

An Optimized O9-1/Hydrogel System for Studying Mechanical Signals in Neural Crest Cells11:02

An Optimized O9-1/Hydrogel System for Studying Mechanical Signals in Neural Crest Cells

Published on: August 13, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

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:...
Adherens Junctions01:24

Adherens Junctions

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.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

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. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM01:25

Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM

Fibronectin is an adhesive glycoprotein present in the extracellular matrix of embryogenic and adult tissue. These molecules primarily aid in regulating cell motility and attachment. A fibronectin molecule is composed of two identical polypeptide chains attached to each other by a pair of disulfide bonds at the C-terminal.
Both proteoglycans and collagen are attached to fibronectin proteins, which, in turn, are attached to integrin proteins. These integrin proteins interact with transmembrane...
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

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.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

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.
Some...