E-cadherin integrates mechanotransduction and EGFR signaling to control junctional tissue polarization and tight junction positioning.

ABSTRACT: Generation of a barrier in multi-layered epithelia like the epidermis requires restricted positioning of functional tight junctions (TJ) to the most suprabasal viable layer. This positioning necessitates tissue-level polarization of junctions and the cytoskeleton through unknown mechanisms. Using quantitative whole-mount imaging, genetic ablation, and traction force microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we find that ubiquitously localized E-cadherin coordinates tissue polarization of tension-bearing adherens junction (AJ) and F-actin organization to allow formation of an apical TJ network only in the uppermost viable layer. Molecularly, E-cadherin localizes and tunes EGFR activity and junctional tension to inhibit premature TJ complex formation in lower layers while promoting increased t

SUBMITTER: Rubsam M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5665913 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature