Nanomechanics of multidomain neuronal cell adhesion protein contactin revealed by single molecule AFM and SMD.

ABSTRACT: Contactin-4 (CNTN4) is a complex cell adhesion molecule (CAM) localized at neuronal membranes, playing a key role in maintaining the mechanical integrity and signaling properties of the synapse. CNTN4 consists of six immunoglobulin C2 type (IgC2) domains and four fibronectin type III (FnIII) domains that are shared with many other CAMs. Mutations in CNTN4 gene have been linked to various psychiatric disorders. Toward elucidating the response of this modular protein to mechanical stress, we studied its force-induced unfolding using single molecule atomic force microscopy (smAFM) and steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations. Extensive smAFM and SMD data both indicate the distinctive mechanical behavior of the two types of modules distinguished by unique force-extension signatures. The da

SUBMITTER: Mikulska-Ruminska K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5562865 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature