Journal Article

FZJ-2018-05832

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Transition of responsive mechanosensitive elements from focal adhesions to adherens junctions on epithelial differentiation

Noethel, B.FZJ* ; Ramms, L. ; Dreissen, G.FZJ* ; Hoffmann, M.FZJ* ; Springer, R.FZJ* ; Rübsam, M. ; Ziegler, W. H. ; Niessen, C. M. ; Merkel, R.FZJ* ; Hoffmann, B. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2018
American Society for Cell Biology Bethesda, Md.

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/22880  doi:10.1091/mbc.E17-06-0387

Abstract: The skin’s epidermis is a multilayered epithelial tissue and the first line of defense against mechanical stress. Its barrier function depends on an integrated assembly and reorganization of cell–matrix and cell–cell junctions in the basal layer and on different intercellular junctions in suprabasal layers. However, how mechanical stress is recognized and which adhesive and cytoskeletal components are involved are poorly understood. Here, we subjected keratinocytes to cyclic stress in the presence or absence of intercellular junctions. Both states not only recognized but also responded to strain by reorienting actin filaments perpendicular to the applied force. Using different keratinocyte mutant strains that altered the mechanical link of the actin cytoskeleton to either cell–matrix or cell–cell junctions, we show that not only focal adhesions but also adherens junctions function as mechanosensitive elements in response to cyclic strain. Loss of paxillin or talin impaired focal adhesion formation and only affected mechanosensitivity in the absence but not presence of intercellular junctions. Further analysis revealed the adherens junction protein α-catenin as a main mechanosensor, with greatest sensitivity conferred on binding to vinculin. Our data reveal a mechanosensitive transition from cell–matrix to cell–cell adhesions on formation of keratinocyte monolayers with vinculin and α-catenin as vital players.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Biomechanik (ICS-7)

Research Program(s):

1. 552 - Engineering Cell Function (POF3-552) (POF3-552)

Appears in the scientific report 2018

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; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; PubMed Central ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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