Cell–cell junctions are specializations of the plasma membrane responsible for physically
integrating cells into tissues. We are now beginning to appreciate the diverse impacts that …

During epithelial morphogenesis, E-cadherin adhesive junctions play an important part in
mechanically coupling the contractile cortices of cells together, thereby distributing the …

Non-muscle myosin II (NM II) is an actin-binding protein that has actin cross-linking and
contractile properties and is regulated by the phosphorylation of its light and heavy chains …

How adhesive interactions between cells generate and maintain animal tissue structure
remains one of the most challenging and long-standing questions in cell and developmental …

Cadherins are the principal adhesion proteins at intercellular junctions and function as the
biochemical Velcro that binds cells together. Besides this mechanical function, cadherin …

Adherens junctions (AJs), which are organized by adhesion proteins and the underlying
actin cytoskeleton, probably sense pulling forces from adjacent cells and modulate opposing …

Actomyosin contractility affects cellular organization within tissues in part through the
generation of mechanical forces at sites of cell–matrix and cell–cell contact. While increased …

Endothelial cells (ECs) form a unique barrier between the vascular lumen and the vascular
wall. In addition, the endothelium is highly metabolically active. In cardiovascular disease …

Cadherins are transmembrane proteins that mediate cell–cell adhesion in animals. By
regulating contact formation and stability, cadherins play a crucial role in tissue …

Cell surface receptors integrate chemical and mechanical cues to regulate a wide range of
biological processes. Integrin complexes are the mechanotransducers between the …