There are four dynamically and functionally distinct populations of E-cadherin in cell junctions

Erami Rud Majani, Z., Timpson, P., Yao, W., Zaidel-Bar, R. and Anderson, K. I. (2015) There are four dynamically and functionally distinct populations of E-cadherin in cell junctions. Biology Open, 4(11), pp. 1481-1489. (doi: 10.1242/bio.014159) (PMID:26471767)

Abstract

E-cadherin is a trans-membrane tumor suppressor responsible for epithelial cell adhesion. E-cadherin forms adhesive clusters through combined extra-cellular cis- and trans-interactions and intracellular interaction with the actin cytoskeleton. Here we identify four populations of E-cadherin within cell junctions based on the molecular interactions which determine their mobility and adhesive properties. Adhesive and non-adhesive populations of E-cadherin each consist of mobile and immobile fractions. Up to half of the E-cadherin immobilized in cell junctions is non-adhesive. Incorporation of E-cadherin into functional adhesions require all three adhesive interactions, with deletion of any one resulting in loss of effective cell-cell adhesion. Interestingly, the only interaction which could independently slow the diffusion of E-cadherin was the tail-mediated intra-cellular interaction. The adhesive and non-adhesive mobile fractions of E-cadherin can be distinguished by their sensitivity to chemical cross-linking with adhesive clusters. Our data define the size, mobility, and adhesive properties of four distinct populations of E-cadherin within cell junctions, and support association with the actin cytoskeleton as the first step in adhesion formation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Anderson, Professor Kurt and Erami Rud Majani, Mrs Zahra and Timpson, Dr Paul
• Authors: Erami Rud Majani, Z., Timpson, P., Yao, W., Zaidel-Bar, R., and Anderson, K. I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Biology Open
• Publisher: The Company of Biologists Ltd.
• ISSN: 2046-6390
• ISSN (Online): 2046-6390
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 The Company of Biologists Ltd
• First Published: First published in Biology Open 4(11):1481-1489
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License