Magic touch: how does cell-cell adhesion trigger actin assembly?

Alexander Bershadsky

doi:10.1016/j.tcb.2004.09.009

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Magic touch: how does cell-cell adhesion trigger actin assembly?

Alexander Bershadsky

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Abstract

The formation of cadherin-mediated cell-cell junctions is accompanied by a profound remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. The Arp2/3 complex and its activator cortactin drive the assembly of branching actin-filament arrays, and formin-1 promotes the nucleation of non-branching actin filaments. Recruitment of these actin nucleators to nascent adhesions, formation of the links between them and the cytoplasmic cadherin domain, and triggering of their actin-polymerizing functions are vital steps in the development of cell-cell junctions. In this article, I discuss recent results showing that proteins involved in the regulation of actin polymerization have crucial roles in the development and maintenance of the cadherin junctions.

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Actins Animals Cadherins Cell Adhesion Humans Intercellular Junctions Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Review

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Alexander Bershadsky. 2004. Magic touch: how does cell-cell adhesion trigger actin assembly?. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2004.09.009

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