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The asymmetric self-assembly mechanism of adherens junctions: a cellular push-pull unit

Julien Brevier1, David Montero, Tatyana Svitkina

  • 1Laboratoire de Spectrométrie Physique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5588, Université Joseph Fourier, 38402 Saint-Martin d'Hères, France.

Physical Biology
|April 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cellular adherens junctions (AJ) form through actin-rich lamellipodia. Neighboring cell contractility stabilizes these actin fingers, influencing AJ assembly and morphology.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Cytoskeleton Dynamics

Background:

  • Adherens junctions (AJ) are crucial for cell-cell adhesion and tissue integrity.
  • AJ assembly involves initial cell contact mediated by lamellipodia extending towards neighboring cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of contacting cells in the assembly of adherens junctions.
  • To elucidate the mechanism behind the formation of asymmetric, finger-like adherens junctions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized cytoskeleton replicas and immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize actin structures at the cell-cell interface.
  • Manipulated actin network geometry via Rac overexpression.
  • Modulated acto-myosin contractility using pharmacological agents and local traction techniques.

Main Results:

  • Observed co-localization of actin bundles in donor lamellipodia with stress fibers in acceptor cells at adherens junctions.
  • Demonstrated that changes in actin network geometry and acto-myosin contractility directly alter adherens junction morphology.
  • Showed that inhibition of contractility leads to disappearance, while enhancement promotes growth of adherens junction fingers.

Conclusions:

  • Propose a model where receiving lamellae exert local pulling forces on adherens junctions, promoting actin bundle polymerization.
  • Adherens junctions, similar to focal contacts, function as cellular mechanosensors, integrating mechanical cues for assembly.

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