Cadherin-dependent mechanotransduction depends on ligand identity but not affinity.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the relationship between classical cadherin binding affinities and mechanotransduction through cadherin-mediated adhesions. The mechanical properties of cadherin-dependent intercellular junctions are generally attributed to differences in the binding affinities of classical cadherin subtypes that contribute to cohesive energies between cells. However, cell mechanics and mechanotransduction may also regulate intercellular contacts. We used micropipette measurements to quantify the two-dimensional affinities of cadherins at the cell surface, and two complementary mechanical measurements to assess ligand-dependent mechanotransduction through cadherin adhesions. At the cell surface, the classical cadherins investigated in this study form both homophilic and heterophilic

SUBMITTER: Tabdili H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3516441 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature