Actin regulation at cell-cell junction

Research
Regulation of epithelial and endothelial functions
Actin regulation at cell-cell junction
Adhesion Regulation at Cell-Cell Contacts
Mechanobiology of cell-cell junction
Biomolecular EM of junctional complexes
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Forces at Junction

We are interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing the assembly, disassembly, and stability of actin at cell-cell contacts.

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The actin cytoskeleton participates in cell-cell adhesion and maintenance of epithelial and endothelial barrier in many fundamental ways.  Actin organizes plasma membrane domains by clustering membrane adhesion molecules.  In addition, it provides anchorage of cell-cell adhesion molecules to the underlying cytoplasmic actin network.  Moreover, actin contributes to mechano-transduction at sites of cell-cell contacts to strengthen adhesion.   Ultimately, the actin cytoskeleton determines the efficacy of cell-cell adhesion and the nature of intercellular interactions.  Therefore, elucidating the mechanism of actin-regulation at cell-cell adhesive contacts is fundamental to the understanding of epithelial and endothelial cell behaviors and function.

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