Molecular Bases of Cell–Cell Junctions Stability and Dynamics
- IBDML, UMR6216 CNRS-Université de la Méditerranée, Campus de Luminy case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
- Correspondence: lecuit{at}ibdml.univ-mrs.fr
Abstract
Epithelial cell–cell junctions are formed by apical adherens junctions (AJs), which are composed of cadherin adhesion molecules interacting in a dynamic way with the cortical actin cytoskeleton. Regulation of cell–cell junction stability and dynamics is crucial to maintain tissue integrity and allow tissue remodeling throughout development. Actin filament turnover and organization are tightly controlled together with myosin-II activity to produce mechanical forces that drive the assembly, maintenance, and remodeling of AJs. In this review, we will discuss these three distinct stages in the lifespan of cell–cell junctions, using several developmental contexts, which illustrate how mechanical forces are generated and transmitted at junctions, and how they impact on the integrity and the remodeling of cell–cell junctions.
Footnotes
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Editors: W. James Nelson and Elaine Fuchs
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Additional Perspectives on Cell Junctions available at www.cshperspectives.org
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