Myosin II isoforms identify distinct functional modules that support integrity of the epithelial zonula adherens.

ABSTRACT: Classic cadherin receptors cooperate with regulators of the actin cytoskeleton to control tissue organization in health and disease. At the apical junctions of epithelial cells, the cadherin ring of the zonula adherens (ZA) couples with a contiguous ring of actin filaments to support morphogenetic processes such as tissue integration and cellular morphology. However, the molecular mechanisms that coordinate adhesion and cytoskeleton at these junctions are poorly understood. Previously we identified non-muscle myosin II as a target of Rho signalling that supports cadherin junctions in mammalian epithelial cells. Myosin II has various cellular functions, which are increasingly attributable to the specific biophysical properties and regulation of its different isoforms. Here we report that my

SUBMITTER: Smutny M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3428211 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature