Cell adhesion. The minimal cadherin-catenin complex binds to actin filaments under force.

ABSTRACT: Linkage between the adherens junction (AJ) and the actin cytoskeleton is required for tissue development and homeostasis. In vivo findings indicated that the AJ proteins E-cadherin, ?-catenin, and the filamentous (F)-actin binding protein ?E-catenin form a minimal cadherin-catenin complex that binds directly to F-actin. Biochemical studies challenged this model because the purified cadherin-catenin complex does not bind F-actin in solution. Here, we reconciled this difference. Using an optical trap-based assay, we showed that the minimal cadherin-catenin complex formed stable bonds with an actin filament under force. Bond dissociation kinetics can be explained by a catch-bond model in which force shifts the bond from a weakly to a strongly bound state. These results may explain how the cadherin-catenin complex transduces mechanical forces at cell-cell junctions.

SUBMITTER: Buckley CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4364042 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature