Nanoscale architecture of cadherin-based cell adhesions

Bertocchi C, Wang Y, Ravasio A, Hara Y, Wu Y, Sailov T, Baird MA, Davidson MW, Zaidel-Bar R, Toyama Y, Ladoux B, Mege RM, Kanchanawong P (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Nature Cell Biology Nature Research

Book Volume: 19

Pages Range: 28-37

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/ncb3456

Abstract

Multicellularity in animals requires dynamic maintenance of cell-cell contacts. Intercellularly ligated cadherins recruit numerous proteins to form supramolecular complexes that connect with the actin cytoskeleton and support force transmission. However, the molecular organization within such structures remains unknown. Here we mapped protein organization in cadherin-based adhesions by super-resolution microscopy, revealing a multi-compartment nanoscale architecture, with the plasma-membrane-proximal cadherin-catenin compartment segregated from the actin cytoskeletal compartment, bridged by an interface zone containing vinculin. Vinculin position is determined by α-catenin, and following activation, vinculin can extend â 1/430 nm to bridge the cadherin-catenin and actin compartments, while modulating the nanoscale positions of the actin regulators zyxin and VASP. Vinculin conformational activation requires tension and tyrosine phosphorylation, regulated by Abl kinase and PTP1B phosphatase. Such modular architecture provides a structural framework for mechanical and biochemical signal integration by vinculin, which may differentially engage cadherin-catenin complexes with the actomyosin machinery to regulate cell adhesions.

Authors with CRIS profile

Benoit Ladoux

Involved external institutions

National University of Singapore (NUS) SG Singapore (SG) National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) US United States (USA) (US) Institut Jacques Monod (IJM) FR France (FR)

How to cite

APA:

Bertocchi, C., Wang, Y., Ravasio, A., Hara, Y., Wu, Y., Sailov, T.,... Kanchanawong, P. (2017). Nanoscale architecture of cadherin-based cell adhesions. Nature Cell Biology, 19(1), 28-37. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb3456

MLA:

Bertocchi, Cristina, et al. "Nanoscale architecture of cadherin-based cell adhesions." Nature Cell Biology 19.1 (2017): 28-37.

BibTeX: Download