scholarly journals Desmoplakin Is Required Early in Development for Assembly of Desmosomes and Cytoskeletal Linkage

1998 ◽  
Vol 143 (7) ◽  
pp. 2009-2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Ian Gallicano ◽  
Panos Kouklis ◽  
Christoph Bauer ◽  
Mei Yin ◽  
Valeri Vasioukhin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Epithelial Polarity ◽  
Tissue Architecture ◽  
Desmosomal Cadherins ◽  
Tissue Integrity ◽  
Classical Cadherins ◽  
Mediate Cell ◽  
Cell Cell

Desmosomes first assemble in the E3.5 mouse trophectoderm, concomitant with establishment of epithelial polarity and appearance of a blastocoel cavity. Throughout development, they increase in size and number and are especially abundant in epidermis and heart muscle. Desmosomes mediate cell–cell adhesion through desmosomal cadherins, which differ from classical cadherins in their attachments to intermediate filaments (IFs), rather than actin filaments. Of the proteins implicated in making this IF connection, only desmoplakin (DP) is both exclusive to and ubiquitous among desmosomes. To explore its function and importance to tissue integrity, we ablated the desmoplakin gene. Homozygous −/− mutant embryos proceeded through implantation, but did not survive beyond E6.5. Mutant embryos proceeded through implantation, but did not survive beyond E6.5. Surprisingly, analysis of these embryos revealed a critical role for desmoplakin not only in anchoring IFs to desmosomes, but also in desmosome assembly and/or stabilization. This finding not only unveiled a new function for desmoplakin, but also provided the first opportunity to explore desmosome function during embryogenesis. While a blastocoel cavity formed and epithelial cell polarity was at least partially established in the DP (−/−) embryos, the paucity of desmosomal cell–cell junctions severely affected the modeling of tissue architecture and shaping of the early embryo.

scholarly journals The multifarious regulation of the apical junctional complex

Open Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 190278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra D. Rusu ◽  
Marios Georgiou
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Junctional Complex ◽  
Tissue Architecture ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Cell Behaviour ◽  
Apical Junctional Complex ◽  
Mediate Cell ◽  
And Function ◽  
Cell Cell

Epithelial cells form highly organized polarized sheets with characteristic cell morphologies and tissue architecture. Cell–cell adhesion and intercellular communication are prerequisites of such cohesive sheets of cells, and cell connectivity is mediated through several junctional assemblies, namely desmosomes, adherens, tight and gap junctions. These cell–cell junctions form signalling hubs that not only mediate cell–cell adhesion but impact on multiple aspects of cell behaviour, helping to coordinate epithelial cell shape, polarity and function. This review will focus on the tight and adherens junctions, constituents of the apical junctional complex, and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex signalling that underlies junction assembly, integrity and plasticity.

scholarly journals Herpes Simplex Virus gE/gI Must Accumulate in the trans-Golgi Network at Early Times and Then Redistribute to Cell Junctions To Promote Cell-Cell Spread

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 3167-3179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Farnsworth ◽  
David C. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Virus Spread ◽  
Neuronal Tissues ◽  
Mediate Cell ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Golgi Network ◽  
Cell Spread ◽  
Cell Cell

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein heterodimer gE/gI is necessary for virus spread in epithelial and neuronal tissues. Deletion of the relatively large gE cytoplasmic (CT) domain abrogates the ability of gE/gI to mediate HSV spread. The gE CT domain is required for the sorting of gE/gI to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in early stages of virus infection, and there are several recognizable TGN sorting motifs grouped near the center of this domain. Late in HSV infection, gE/gI, other viral glycoproteins, and enveloped virions redistribute from the TGN to epithelial cell junctions, and the gE CT domain is also required for this process. Without the gE CT domain, newly enveloped virions are directed to apical surfaces instead of to cell junctions. We hypothesized that the gE CT domain promotes virus envelopment into TGN subdomains from which nascent enveloped virions are sorted to cell junctions, a process that enhances cell-to-cell spread. To characterize elements of the gE CT domain involved in intracellular trafficking and cell-to-cell spread, we constructed a panel of truncation mutants. Specifically, these mutants were used to address whether sorting to the TGN and redistribution to cell junctions are necessary, and sufficient, for gE/gI to promote cell-to-cell spread. gE-519, lacking 32 C-terminal residues, localized normally to the TGN early in infection and then trafficked to cell junctions at late times and mediated virus spread. By contrast, mutants gE-495 (lacking 56 C-terminal residues) and gE-470 (lacking 81 residues) accumulated in the TGN but did not traffic to cell junctions and did not mediate cell-to-cell spread. A fourth mutant, gE-448 (lacking most of the CT domain), did not localize to cell junctions and did not mediate virus spread. Therefore, the capacity of gE/gI to promote cell-cell spread requires early localization to the TGN, but this is not sufficient for virus spread. Additionally, gE CT sequences between residues 495 and 519, which contain no obvious cell sorting motifs, are required to promote gE/gI traffic to cell junctions and cell-to-cell spread.

Plakoglobin domains that define its association with the desmosomal cadherins and the classical cadherins: identification of unique and shared domains

1996 ◽  
Vol 109 (5) ◽  
pp. 1143-1154 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.K. Wahl ◽  
P.A. Sacco ◽  
T.M. McGranahan-Sadler ◽  
L.M. Sauppe ◽  
M.J. Wheelock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Intermediate Filament ◽  
Adherens Junction ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Central Domain ◽  
Desmosomal Cadherins ◽  
Cytoplasmic Proteins ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Classical Cadherins ◽  
N Terminus

Two cell-cell junctions, the adherens junction and the desmosome, are prominent in epithelial cells. These junctions are composed of transmembrane cadherins which interact with cytoplasmic proteins that serve to link the cadherin to the cytoskeleton. One component of both adherens junctions and desmosomes is plakoglobin. In the adherens junction plakoglobin interacts with both the classical cadherin and with alpha-catenin. Alpha-catenin in turn interacts with microfilaments. The role plakoglobin plays in the desmosome is not well understood. Plakoglobin interacts with the desmosomal cadherins, but how and if this mediates interactions with the intermediate filament cytoskeleton is not known. Here we compare the domains of plakoglobin that allow it to associate with the desmosomal cadherins with those involved in interactions with the classical cadherins. We show that three sites on plakoglobin are involved in associations with the desmosomal cadherins. A domain near the N terminus is unique to the desmosomal cadherins and overlaps with the site that interacts with alpha-catenin, suggesting that there may be competition between alpha-catenin and the desmosomal cadherins for interactions with plakoglobin. In addition, a central domain is shared with regions used by plakoglobin to associate with the classical cadherins. Finally, a domain near the C terminus is shown to strongly modulate the interactions with the desmosomal cadherins. This latter domain also contributes to the association of plakoglobin with the classical cadherins.

Differential expression of cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion proteins along the kidney nephron

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (6) ◽  
pp. C1433-C1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Piepenhagen ◽  
W. J. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Immunofluorescence Microscopy ◽  
The Other ◽  
Beta Catenin ◽  
Desmosomal Cadherins ◽  
Functional Differences ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Capillary Endothelial Cells ◽  
Mediate Cell ◽  
Cell Cell

Structural and functional differences among epithelial cells of kidney nephrons may be regulated by variations in cell-to-cell (cell-cell) and cell-to-substratum (cell-substratum) junctions. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate that the cadherin-associated proteins alpha- and beta-catenin are localized to basolateral membranes of cells in all nephron segments, whereas plakoglobin, a protein associated with both classical and desmosomal cadherins, is localized to noninterdigitated lateral membranes in the distal half of the nephron where it colocalizes with desmoplakin and cytokeratin K8. Plakoglobin is also present in capillary endothelial cells where staining for the other catenins and desmosomal proteins is not observed. Immunofluorescence for laminin A and alpha 6-integrin, proteins that mediate cell-substratum contacts, reveal no correlations with the other staining patterns observed. These data indicate that plakoglobin and beta-catenin subserve distinct functions in cell-cell adhesion and suggest that E-cadherin-mediated contacts generate a basal level of cell-cell adhesion, whereas desmosomal junctions provide additional strength to cell-cell contacts in the distal nephron.

Molecular interactions between desmosomal cadherins

2002 ◽  
Vol 362 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shabih-e-Hassnain SYED ◽  
Brian TRINNAMAN ◽  
Stephen MARTIN ◽  
Sarah MAJOR ◽  
Jon HUTCHINSON ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Analytical Ultracentrifugation ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Desmosomal Cadherins ◽  
Classical Cadherins ◽  
Escherichia Coli Expression

Desmocollins (Dscs) and desmogleins (Dsgs) are cell-adhesion molecules involved in the formation of desmosome cell—cell junctions and share structural similarities to classical cadherins such as E-cadherin. In order to identify and provide quantitative information on the types of protein—protein interactions displayed by the type 2 isoforms and investigate the role of Ca2+ in this process, we have developed an Escherichia coli expression system to generate recombinant proteins containing the first two extracellular domains, namely Dsg2(1-2) and Dsc2(1-2). Analytical ultracentrifugation, chemical cross-linking, CD, fluorescence and BIAcore have been used to provide the first direct evidence of Ca2+ binding to desmosomal cadherins. These studies suggest that Dsc2(1-2) not only exhibits homophilic interactions in solution, but can also form heterophilic interactions with Dsg2(1-2). The latter, on the other hand, shows much weaker homophilic association. Our results further demonstrate that heterophilic interactions are Ca2+-dependent, whereas the Ca2+-dependence of homophilic association is less clear. Our data indicate that the functional properties of Dsc2(1-2) are more similar to those of classical cadherins, consistent with the observation that Dsc shares a higher level of sequence homology with classical cadherins than does Dsg. In addition to corroborating the conclusions of previously reported transfection studies which suggest the formation of lateral heterodimers and homodimers, our results also provide direct quantitative information on the strength of these interactions which are essential for understanding the adhesion mechanism.

scholarly journals mDia2 formin selectively interacts with catenins and not E-cadherin to regulate Adherens Junction formation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuqi Zhang ◽  
Krista M. Pettee ◽  
Kathryn N. Becker ◽  
Kathryn M. Eisenmann
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Adherens Junctions ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
E Cadherin ◽  
Cell Cell

AbstractBackgroundEpithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells disseminate within the peritoneal cavity, in part, via the peritoneal fluid as single cells, clusters, or spheroids. Initial single cell egress from a tumor can involve disruption of cell-cell adhesions as cells are shed from the primary tumor into the peritoneum. In epithelial cells, Adherens Junctions (AJs) are characterized by homotypic linkage of E-cadherins on the plasma membranes of adjacent cells. AJs are anchored to the intracellular actin cytoskeletal network through a complex involving E-cadherin, p120 catenin, β-catenin, and αE-catenin. However, the specific players involved in the interaction between the junctional E-cadherin complex and the underlying F-actin network remains unclear. Recent evidence indicates that mammalian Diaphanous-related (mDia) formins plays a key role in epithelial cell AJ formation and maintenance through generation of linear actin filaments. Binding of αE-catenin to linear F-actin inhibits association of the branched-actin nucleator Arp2/3, while favoring linear F-actin bundling. We previously demonstrated that loss of mDia2 was associated with invasive single cell egress from EOC spheroids through disruption of junctional F-actin.ResultsIn the current study, we now show that mDia2 has a role at adherens junctions (AJs) in EOC OVCA429 cells and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells through its association with αE-catenin and β-catenin. mDia2 depletion in EOC cells leads to reduction in actin polymerization and disruption of cell-cell junctions with decreased interaction between β-catenin and E-cadherin.ConclusionsOur results support a necessary role for mDia2 in AJ stability in EOC cell monolayers and indicate a critical role for mDia formins in regulating EOC AJs during invasive transitions.

The p120 catenin family: complex roles in adhesion, signaling and cancer

2000 ◽  
Vol 113 (8) ◽  
pp. 1319-1334 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.Z. Anastasiadis ◽  
A.B. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Biological Function ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Beta Catenin ◽  
Juxtamembrane Domain ◽  
P120 Catenin ◽  
Structural Relationships ◽  
Classical Cadherins ◽  
Cell Cell

p120 catenin (p120) is the prototypic member of a growing subfamily of Armadillo-domain proteins found at cell-cell junctions and in nuclei. In contrast to the functions of the classical catenins (alpha-catenin, beta-catenin, and gamma-catenin/plakoglobin), which have been studied extensively, the first clues to p120's biological function have only recently emerged, and its role remains controversial. Nonetheless, it is now clear that p120 affects cell-cell adhesion through its interaction with the highly conserved juxtamembrane domain of classical cadherins, and is likely to have additional roles in the nucleus. Here, we summarize the data on the potential involvement of p120 both in promotion of and in prevension of adhesion, and propose models that attempt to reconcile some of the disparities in the literature. We also discuss the structural relationships and functions of several known p120 family members, as well as the potential roles of p120 in signaling and cancer.

scholarly journals Regulation of β-Catenin Levels and Localization by Overexpression of Plakoglobin and Inhibition of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System

1997 ◽  
Vol 139 (5) ◽  
pp. 1325-1335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Salomon ◽  
Paula A. Sacco ◽  
Sujata Guha Roy ◽  
Inbal Simcha ◽  
Keith R. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adherens Junctions ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Stable Transfection ◽  
Desmosomal Cadherins ◽  
Ubiquitin System ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome ◽  
Dose Dependent Decrease ◽  
Cell Cell

β-Catenin and plakoglobin (γ-catenin) are closely related molecules of the armadillo family of proteins. They are localized at the submembrane plaques of cell–cell adherens junctions where they form independent complexes with classical cadherins and α-catenin to establish the link with the actin cytoskeleton. Plakoglobin is also found in a complex with desmosomal cadherins and is involved in anchoring intermediate filaments to desmosomal plaques. In addition to their role in junctional assembly, β-catenin has been shown to play an essential role in signal transduction by the Wnt pathway that results in its translocation into the nucleus. To study the relationship between plakoglobin expression and the level of β-catenin, and the localization of these proteins in the same cell, we employed two different tumor cell lines that express N-cadherin, and α- and β-catenin, but no plakoglobin or desmosomal components. Individual clones expressing various levels of plakoglobin were established by stable transfection. Plakoglobin overexpression resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the level of β-catenin in each clone. Induction of plakoglobin expression increased the turnover of β-catenin without affecting RNA levels, suggesting posttranslational regulation of β-catenin. In plakoglobin overexpressing cells, both β-catenin and plakoglobin were localized at cell– cell junctions. Stable transfection of mutant plakoglobin molecules showed that deletion of the N-cadherin binding domain, but not the α-catenin binding domain, abolished β-catenin downregulation. Inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in plakoglobin overexpressing cells blocked the decrease in β-catenin levels and resulted in accumulation of both β-catenin and plakoglobin in the nucleus. These results suggest that (a) plakoglobin substitutes effectively with β-catenin for association with N-cadherin in adherens junctions, (b) extrajunctional β-catenin is rapidly degraded by the proteasome-ubiquitin system but, (c) excess β-catenin and plakoglobin translocate into the nucleus.

Rescuing desmoplakin function in extra-embryonic ectoderm reveals the importance of this protein in embryonic heart, neuroepithelium, skin and vasculature

Development ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 128 (6) ◽  
pp. 929-941
Author(s):  
G.I. Gallicano ◽  
C. Bauer ◽  
E. Fuchs
Keyword(s):  
Heart Muscle ◽  
Intercellular Junctions ◽  
Beta Catenin ◽  
Epithelial Polarity ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Desmosomal Cadherins ◽  
Embryonic Tissues ◽  
Tissue Integrity ◽  
Development Proceeds ◽  
Embryonic Ectoderm

Desmosomes mediate intercellular adhesion through desmosomal cadherins, which interface with plakoglobin (PG) and desmoplakin (DP) to associate with the intermediate filament (IF) cytoskeleton. Desmosomes first assemble in the E3.5 mouse trophectoderm, concomitant with establishment of epithelial polarity and appearance of a blastocoel cavity. Increasing in size and number, desmosomes continue their prominence in extra-embryonic tissues, but as development proceeds, they also become abundant in a number of embryonic tissues, including heart muscle, epidermis and neuroepithelium. Previously, we explored the functional importance of desmosomes by ablating the Dsp gene. Homozygous Dsp mutant embryos progressed through implantation, but did not survive beyond E6.5, owing to a loss or instability of desmosomes and tissue integrity. We have now rescued the extra-embryonic tissues by aggregation of tetraploid (wild-type) and diploid (Dsp mutant) morulae. These animals survive several days longer, but die shortly after gastrulation, with major defects in the heart muscle, neuroepithelium and skin epithelium, all of which possess desmosomes, as well as the microvasculature, which does not. Interestingly, although wild-type endothelial cells of capillaries do not form desmosomes, they possess unusual intercellular junctions composed of DP, PG and VE-cadherin. The severity in phenotype and the breadth of defects in the Dsp mutant embryo is greater than PG mutant embryos, substantiating redundancy between PG and other armadillo proteins (e.g. beta-catenin). The timing of lethality is similar to that of the VE-cadherin null embryo, suggesting that a participating cause of death may be a defect in vasculature, not reported for PG null embryos.

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