The molecular basis for the assembly and modulation of adherens-type junctions

Abstract

Ultrastructural analyses of cells and tissues over the last several decades have indicated that cells commonly form contacts through specialized membrane domains. The cellular topology and fine structure of such adhesion sites varies considerably, reflecting the highly diverse physiological roles and cellular manifestations of adhesive interactions. In general, two major classes of adhesions may be distinguished, namely cell-matrix and cell-cell contacts. Among these distinct types of cell adhesions may be formed, attaching cells to the various extracellular matrix (ECM) networks on, or within which cells grow. Some of these attachment sites display a characteristic association with cytoskeletal filaments, providing an apparent mechanical linkage between intracellular force-generating systems and the pericellular connective tissue. It has been widely accepted that these contacts and their spatially- and temporallycontrolled reorganization, play cardinal roles in a large number of processes (which are often quite conflicting) such as cell anchorage and locomotion, growth stimulation and growth arrest, etc. Among these cytoskeleton-bound ECM contacts two major types were discerned on morpho