Article
Cell Biology
Jooske L. Monster, Lisa Donker, Marjolein J. Vliem, Zaw Win, Helen K. Matthews, Joleen S. Cheah, Soichiro Yamada, Johan de Rooij, Buzz Baum, Martijn Gloerich
Summary: During mitosis, epithelial cells exert tensile forces on neighboring cells by recruiting vinculin to maintain cell-cell junctions. Vinculin recruited from neighbors creates asymmetric cadherin junctions. Lack of vinculin in mitotic cells is essential for successful cell rounding.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Erumbi S. S. Rangarajan, Emmanuel W. W. Smith, Tina Izard
Summary: Cell attachment is crucial and mediated by cadherin receptors binding and alpha-catenin interaction. Alpha-catenin modulates cell migration and adhesion by linking junctions and plasma membrane to actin cytoskeleton. CryoEM structures provide mechanistic insights into alpha-catenin function and its role in cell adhesion and disease.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rina Hashimoto, Junya Takahashi, Keisuke Shirakura, Risa Funatsu, Kaori Kosugi, Sayaka Deguchi, Masaki Yamamoto, Yugo Tsunoda, Maaya Morita, Kosuke Muraoka, Masato Tanaka, Tomoaki Kanbara, Shota Tanaka, Shigeyuki Tamiya, Nagisa Tokunoh, Atsushi Kawai, Masahito Ikawa, Chikako Ono, Keisuke Tachibana, Masuo Kondoh, Masanori Obana, Yoshiharu Matsuura, Akihiro Ohsumi, Takeshi Noda, Takuya Yamamoto, Yasuo Yoshioka, Yu-Suke Torisawa, Hiroshi Date, Yasushi Fujio, Miki Nagao, Kazuo Takayama, Yoshiaki Okada
Summary: This study found that SARS-CoV-2 decreases the expression of Claudin-5 (CLDN5), a tight junction protein, and disrupts vascular endothelial cadherin-mediated adherens junctions, thereby leading to the disruption of the endothelial barrier in respiratory organs. The down-regulation of CLDN5 expression was observed in the lungs of a COVID-19 patient. The overexpression of CLDN5 or treatment with Fluvastatin rescued the SARS-CoV-2-induced respiratory endothelial barrier disruption. Inducing CLDN5 expression is identified as a therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Connor J. Thompson, Vinh H. Vu, Deborah E. Leckband, Daniel K. Schwartz
Summary: Cadherin transmembrane proteins play important roles in intercellular adhesion and tissue morphogenesis. Experimental evidence shows mutual cooperativity between lateral cis and adhesive trans interactions, leading to the assembly of large intermembrane junctions. This cooperativity is primarily due to allostery and provides insights into how weak cis and trans interactions work together to create strong cell adhesions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Svetlana N. Rubtsova, Irina Y. Zhitnyak, Natalya A. Gloushankova
Summary: Cancer cells exhibit phenotypic plasticity through rearrangements of the cytoskeleton and adherens junctions, allowing them to survive and thrive in alien environments by achieving advantageous epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Robert M. Harmon, John Devany, Margaret L. Gardel
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism by which the actin assembly factor Dia1 guides cell positioning in multicellular tissues. The results suggest that Dia1 promotes rapid growth of cell-cell adhesions and plays a crucial role in the construction of a highly crowded monolayer. The study also finds a close correlation between Dia1 expression patterns, cell stratification, and differentiation.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Regina B. Troyanovsky, Alina P. Sergeeva, Indrajyoti Indra, Chi-Shuo Chen, Rei Kato, Lawrence Shapiro, Barry Honig, Sergey M. Troyanovsky
Summary: The study explores the structure and function of the multiprotein complex formed by the cytoplasmic tails of classical cadherins in adherens junctions. It reveals that cytoplasmic proteins interact with this complex and organize into clusters, potentially synchronizing signaling networks among neighboring cells within tissues.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Yufei Wu, Sean X. Sun
Summary: This study develops a continuum mechanical model to analyze the importance and influencing factors of cell-cell junctions, including cell membrane, E-cadherin bonds, cytoplasmic fluid pressure, and F-actin. The model can study the effects of cell cortical tension, actin dynamics, and cytoplasmic pressure on junction shape and bonds, while also considering the impact of fluid flow on cell-cell junction mechanics.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biophysics
Feyza Nur Arslan, Julia Eckert, Thomas Schmidt, Carl-Philipp Heisenberg
Summary: This review article focuses on the importance and research status of cell-cell adhesion, including descriptions and regulations at different levels, as well as discussions on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cell-cell adhesion.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Bingyu Li, Xiaoxia Huang, Jiayi Wei, Hang Huang, Zhuanhua Liu, Jiaqing Hu, Qin Zhang, Yanjia Chen, Yun Cui, Zhenfeng Chen, Xiaohua Guo, Qiaobing Huang
Summary: This study found that moesin regulates the expression of VE-cadherin through the transcription factor KLF4, and the phosphorylation of moesin at Thr558 plays a critical role in the internalization of VE-cadherin induced by AGEs through the process of cytoskeleton reassembling.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John Xiao He Li, Vivian W. Tang, Kingsley A. Boateng, William M. Brieher
Summary: The study reveals that cadherin puncta are actually interdigitated actin microspikes generated by actin polymerization, rather than being formed by myosin pulling on cadherins. These interlocking microspikes expand the cell surface area and increase surface roughness to promote cell adhesion.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Bieke Vanslembrouck, Jian-hua Chen, Carolyn Larabell, Jolanda van Hengel
Summary: Considerable progress has been made in understanding the morphological and functional varieties of anchoring junctions. This review discusses the main microscopy techniques used to study cell-cell contacts and provides guidance for choosing appropriate imaging techniques. The latest techniques and challenges in studying cell-cell adhesion using microscopic techniques are also highlighted.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liam P. Dow, Guido Gaietta, Yair Kaufman, Mark F. Swift, Moara Lemos, Kerry Lane, Matthew Hopcroft, Armel Bezault, Cecile Sauvanet, Niels Volkmann, Beth L. Pruitt, Dorit Hanein
Summary: The authors developed a micropatterning workflow that allows control of cell positioning and morphology. By characterizing the nanoscale details of protein micropatterns on electron microscopy grids, they were able to study the structural changes governing cell-cell signaling.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Luka Sheppard, David G. Green, Gerald Lerchbaumer, Katheryn E. Rothenberg, Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez, Ulrich Tepass
Summary: The M region of alpha-Catenin plays a regulatory role in cell adhesion by recruiting interaction partners to support intercellular connections. Different levels of tension at cell contacts lead to differential recruitment of Vinculin, Ajuba, and Canoe, influencing cell adhesion.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrei I. Ivanov, Susana Lechuga, Armando Marino-Melendez, Nayden G. Naydenov
Summary: The integrity and functions of epithelial barriers depend on the formation of adherens junctions and tight junctions, which are associated with the cortical cytoskeleton composed of actin filaments and nonmuscle myosin II motors. Different actin and myosin isoforms play distinct roles in the assembly, stability, and remodeling of junctions. This review focuses on the roles of actin and myosin in controlling the integrity and barrier properties of various epithelia.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Priti Agarwal, Ronen Zaidel-Bar
Summary: Mechanical forces generated by living cells play a crucial role in embryogenesis by directly influencing cell movement and activating mechanosensitive signaling. These forces are involved in cell fate determination, growth, morphogenesis, and organogenesis, demonstrating their importance in shaping the development of organisms across different species.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Shying Li, Pakorn Kanchanawong
Summary: This article discusses the impact of cellular architecture, cell mechanics, and pluripotent states on pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). PSCs possess distinctive cytomechanical and morphodynamic profiles accompanied by unique molecular mechanisms. The extent to which mechanobiological signatures are intertwined with pluripotency regulation remains an open question of potential significance in developmental morphogenesis and regenerative medicine.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kashish Jain, Pakorn Kanchanawong, Michael P. Sheetz, Xianjing Zhou, Haogang Cai, Rishita Changede
Summary: This article introduces a new method that combines nanopatterning with single-molecule resolution fluorescence imaging to dissect molecular-scale signaling events. The method utilizes nanofabricated titanium (Ti) and the oxide (TiO2) which has no plasmonic effects, enabling manipulation of nanoscale geometry and super-resolution imaging. The fabrication process is fast and simple, and the method can be applied in the fields of cell biology, immunology, regenerative medicine, and related areas for the detection and interpretation of signaling events at the cell membrane.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Pavak Shah, Zhirong Bao, Ronen Zaidel-Bar
Summary: This article reviews the molecular and cellular processes that can be visualized in living worms using light microscopy, including a list of fluorescent probes and techniques, a practical guide to choosing imaging modalities, and available tools and approaches for quantitative image analysis tasks.
Article
Cell Biology
Priti Agarwal, Tom Shemesh, Ronen Zaidel-Bar
Summary: This study reveals that the DTC in C. elegans is not self-propelled, but instead is pushed by proliferating germ cells. The DTC's forward movement is achieved by degrading the basement membrane and its turning is regulated by polarized cell-matrix adhesions. These findings challenge the current understanding of DTC migration and offer a new framework for studying organogenesis.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2022)
Letter
Biochemical Research Methods
Wei Ouyang, Jiachuan Bai, Manish Kumar Singh, Christophe Leterrier, Paul Barthelemy, Samuel F. H. Barnett, Teresa Klein, Markus Sauer, Pakorn Kanchanawong, Nicolas Bourg, Mickael M. Cohen, Benoit Lelandais, Christophe Zimmer
Review
Cell Biology
Pakorn Kanchanawong, David A. Calderwood
Summary: Cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions occur at specialized, multi-protein adhesion complexes, with clustered integrins as the predominant ECM receptors. Progress in characterization of adhesion composition, organization and dynamics in response to force has improved understanding of adhesion maturation and turnover and the relationships between adhesion structures and functions.
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kin Sun Wong, Xueying Zhong, Christine Siok Lan Low, Pakorn Kanchanawong
Summary: Cell morphology is influenced by cellular interactions with microenvironmental factors, and this study developed an analysis method for cell morphometric phenotypes using multi-channel fluorescence microscopy and deep learning. The method can classify cell shapes into distinct morphological signatures based on cell type and extracellular matrix.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Darren Chen Pei Wong, Jingwei Xiao, Ti Weng Chew, Meng Pan, Chang Jie Mick Lee, Jing Wen Ang, Ivan Yow, T. Thivakar, Matthew Ackers-Johnson, Nicole Jia Wen Lee, Roger Sik-Yin Foo, Pakorn Kanchanawong, Boon Chuan Low
Summary: This study elucidates the mechanisms of how the BCH domain containing protein BNIP-2 regulates the expression of two key genes during cardiomyoblast differentiation. It reveals the interaction between BNIP-2, YAP, and LATS1, and its role in promoting cardiomyocyte alignment and differentiation.
Article
Cell Biology
Shiri Avivi Kela, Kriti Sethi, Pei Yi Tan, Danesha Suresh, Hui Ting Ong, Perla G. Castaneda, Mustafi R. Amin, Tal Laviv, Erin J. Cram, Jan Faix, Ronen Zaidel-Bar
Summary: This study identified a novel mechanotransduction pathway in the C. elegans spermatheca, which involves tension-dependent localization of a RhoGEF and a positive feedback loop for RHO-1-MyosinII activation. It provides insights into how epithelial tubes can sense and adjust their contractility in response to internal pressure.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Shinjini Ray, Priti Agarwal, Anat Nitzan, Francois Nedelec, Ronen Zaidel-Bar
Summary: This study reports an in vivo role of actin-capping protein CAP-1 in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline, showing its association with actomyosin structures and its involvement in the maintenance of reproductive tissue architecture. Depletion or overexpression of CAP-1 led to severe structural defects in the syncytial germline and oocytes. Reduction in CAP-1 levels increased F-actin and non-muscle myosin II activity, and simulations suggested increased myosin as the main driver of enhanced contractility.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yee Han Tee, Wei Jia Goh, Xianbin Yong, Hui Ting Ong, Jinrong Hu, Ignacius Yan Yun Tay, Shidong Shi, Salma Jalal, Samuel F. H. Barnett, Pakorn Kanchanawong, Wenmao Huang, Jie Yan, Yong Ann Ben Lim, Visalatchi Thiagarajan, Alex Mogilner, Alexander D. Bershadsky
Summary: Deviations from mirror symmetry in bilateral organisms are common, but the mechanisms of initial symmetry breaking are unclear. This study identifies actin polymerisation regulators involved in the chiral organisation of the actin cytoskeleton in individual cells and the alignment of cells in groups. This provides insights into the underlying mechanism of tissue and organ asymmetry.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sushmita Chatterjee, Gonna Somu Naidu, Inbal Hazan-Halevy, Hanna Grobe, Assaf Ezra, Preeti Sharma, Meir Goldsmith, Srinivas Ramishetti, David Sprinzak, Ronen Zaidel-Bar, Dan Peer
Summary: The potential of targeting microtubule-associated protein CKAP5 for cancer therapy was explored using CKAP5-targeting siRNAs encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. Selective vulnerability of genetically unstable cancer cell lines to CKAP5 silencing was demonstrated. The therapeutic potential of CKAP5 was further confirmed in an in vivo ovarian cancer model.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Zengxin Huang, Pakorn Kanchanawong
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Shiying Liu, Zhen Zhang, Pakorn Kanchanawong
Summary: The Meshworks Analyzer software is designed for analyzing the network architecture of actin filaments in mESCs, providing quantitative parameters for network density and geometry. It enables detailed analysis of the unique actin cortex meshwork in mESCs and allows for quantitative comparison of network architecture under different treatments or genetic manipulations.