How adherens junctions move cells during collective migration
Shafali Gupta, Alpha S. Yap
Abstract
In this review, we consider how the association between adherens junctions and the actomyosin cytoskeleton influences collective cell movement. We focus on recent findings which reveal different ways for adherens junctions to promote the locomotion of cells within tissues: through lamellipodia and junctional contraction. These contributions reflect how classic cadherins establish sites of cortical actin assembly and how adherens junctions couple to contractile actomyosin, respectively. The diverse interplay between cadherin adhesion and the cytoskeleton thus provides different ways for adherens junctions to support epithelial locomotion.
Topics & Concepts
Adherens junctionCadherinCell biologyLamellipodiumActinCell junctionActin cytoskeletonCytoskeletonBiologyCellGeneticsCellular Mechanics and InteractionsWnt/β-catenin signaling in development and cancerSkin and Cellular Biology Research