Importance of integrity of cell-cell junctions for the mechanics of confluent MDCK II cells.

ABSTRACT: Intercellular junctions are important mechanical couplers between cells in epithelial layers providing adhesion and intercellular communication. Regulation of the junctions occurs in cellular processes such as layer formation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, embryogenesis, and cancer progression. Many studies addressed the role of force generation in cells for establishing lateral cell-cell junctions and the role of cellular force transmission in tissue formation and maintenance. Our atomic force microscopy- (AFM) based study shed light on the role of both, tight junctions and adherens junctions for the mechanical properties of individual epithelial cells that are part of a confluent monolayer. We found that tight junctions are important for the establishment of a functional barrier-

SUBMITTER: Bruckner BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6148251 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature