Alternative molecular mechanisms for force transmission at adherens junctions via β-catenin-vinculin interaction.

ABSTRACT: Force transmission through adherens junctions (AJs) is crucial for multicellular organization, wound healing and tissue regeneration. Recent studies shed light on the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction at the AJs. However, the canonical model fails to explain force transmission when essential proteins of the mechanotransduction module are mutated or missing. Here, we demonstrate that, in absence of α-catenin, β-catenin can directly and functionally interact with vinculin in its open conformation, bearing physiological forces. Furthermore, we found that β-catenin can prevent vinculin autoinhibition in the presence of α-catenin by occupying vinculin´s head-tail interaction site, thus preserving force transmission capability. Taken together, our findings suggest a multi-step force tr

SUBMITTER: Morales-Camilo N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11226457 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature