Molecular determinants of cadherin ideal bond formation: Conformation-dependent unbinding on a multidimensional landscape.

ABSTRACT: Classical cadherin cell-cell adhesion proteins are essential for the formation and maintenance of tissue structures; their primary function is to physically couple neighboring cells and withstand mechanical force. Cadherins from opposing cells bind in two distinct trans conformations: strand-swap dimers and X-dimers. As cadherins convert between these conformations, they form ideal bonds (i.e., adhesive interactions that are insensitive to force). However, the biophysical mechanism for ideal bond formation is unknown. Here, we integrate single-molecule force measurements with coarse-grained and atomistic simulations to resolve the mechanistic basis for cadherin ideal bond formation. Using simulations, we predict the energy landscape for cadherin adhesion, the transition pathways for interc

SUBMITTER: Manibog K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5047164 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature