Dynamics of adherens junctions in epithelial establishment, maintenance, and remodeling

作者：Buzz Baum, Μάριος Γεωργίου · 发表于：The Journal of Cell Biology · 年份：2011 · DOI：10.1083/jcb.201009141 · 被引用次数：498 · 研究领域：Wnt/β-catenin signaling in development and cancer、Hippo pathway signaling and YAP/TAZ、Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

The epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin)-catenin complex binds to cytoskeletal components and regulatory and signaling molecules to form a mature adherens junction (AJ). This dynamic structure physically connects neighboring epithelial cells, couples intercellular adhesive contacts to the cytoskeleton, and helps define each cell's apical-basal axis. Together these activities coordinate the form, polarity, and function of all cells in an epithelium. Several molecules regulate AJ formation and integrity, including Rho family GTPases and Par polarity proteins. However, only recently, with the development of live-cell imaging, has the extent to which E-cadherin is actively turned over at junctions begun to be appreciated. This turnover contributes to junction formation and to the maintenance of epithelial integrity during tissue homeostasis and remodeling.