β-catenin condensation facilitates clustering of the cadherin/catenin complex and formation of nascent cell-cell junctions.

ABSTRACT: Cadherin-based junctions establish dynamically regulated adhesion between cells to coordinate tissue integrity and morphogenetic movements. Adhesion strength can be modulated by the organization of individual cadherin complexes into lateral clusters. Here, we identify a clustering mechanism of the cadherin complex established by its core component β-catenin. We show that the disordered termini of β-catenin drive the formation of condensates that incorporate other components of the cadherin complex in vitro. Using β-catenin mutants with hampered condensation, we demonstrate that β-catenin condensation nucleates the formation of submicron cadherin/catenin clusters that further develop into stable sites of adhesion. Furthermore, we show that β-catenin-dependent clustering ensures the efficien

SUBMITTER: Monster JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12783686 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature