Nanoscale architecture of cadherin-based cell adhesions.

ABSTRACT: Multicellularity in animals requires dynamic maintenance of cell-cell contacts. Intercellularly ligated cadherins recruit numerous proteins to form supramolecular complexes that connect with the actin cytoskeleton and support force transmission. However, the molecular organization within such structures remains unknown. Here we mapped protein organization in cadherin-based adhesions by super-resolution microscopy, revealing a multi-compartment nanoscale architecture, with the plasma-membrane-proximal cadherin-catenin compartment segregated from the actin cytoskeletal compartment, bridged by an interface zone containing vinculin. Vinculin position is determined by α-catenin, and following activation, vinculin can extend ∼30 nm to bridge the cadherin-catenin and actin compartments, while mod

SUBMITTER: Bertocchi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5421576 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature