A mechanoresponsive cadherin-keratin complex directs polarized protrusive behavior and collective cell migration.

ABSTRACT: Collective cell migration requires maintenance of adhesive contacts between adjacent cells, coordination of polarized cell protrusions, and generation of propulsive traction forces. We demonstrate that mechanical force applied locally to C-cadherins on single Xenopus mesendoderm cells is sufficient to induce polarized cell protrusion and persistent migration typical of individual cells within a collectively migrating tissue. Local tension on cadherin adhesions induces reorganization of the keratin intermediate filament network toward these stressed sites. Plakoglobin, a member of the catenin family, is localized to cadherin adhesions under tension and is required for both mechanoresponsive cell behavior and assembly of the keratin cytoskeleton at the rear of these cells. Local tugging forc

SUBMITTER: Weber GF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3264825 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature