E-cadherin integrates mechanotransduction and EGFR signaling to control junctional tissue polarization and tight junction positioning

Matthias Rübsam, Aaron F. Mertz, Akiharu Kubo, Susanna Marg, Christian Jüngst, Gladiola Goranci-Buzhala, Astrid C. Schauss, Valerie Horsley, Eric R. Dufresne, Markus Moser, Wolfgang Ziegler, Masayuki Amagai, Sara A. Wickström and Carien M. Niessen ()
Additional contact information
Matthias Rübsam: Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne
Aaron F. Mertz: Yale University
Akiharu Kubo: Keio University School of Medicine
Susanna Marg: Hannover Medical School
Christian Jüngst: Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD)
Gladiola Goranci-Buzhala: Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne
Astrid C. Schauss: Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD)
Valerie Horsley: Yale University
Eric R. Dufresne: Yale University
Markus Moser: Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry
Wolfgang Ziegler: Hannover Medical School
Masayuki Amagai: Keio University School of Medicine
Sara A. Wickström: Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-associated diseases (CECAD)
Carien M. Niessen: Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Generation of a barrier in multi-layered epithelia like the epidermis requires restricted positioning of functional tight junctions (TJ) to the most suprabasal viable layer. This positioning necessitates tissue-level polarization of junctions and the cytoskeleton through unknown mechanisms. Using quantitative whole-mount imaging, genetic ablation, and traction force microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we find that ubiquitously localized E-cadherin coordinates tissue polarization of tension-bearing adherens junction (AJ) and F-actin organization to allow formation of an apical TJ network only in the uppermost viable layer. Molecularly, E-cadherin localizes and tunes EGFR activity and junctional tension to inhibit premature TJ complex formation in lower layers while promoting increased tension and TJ stability in the granular layer 2. In conclusion, our data identify an E-cadherin-dependent mechanical circuit that integrates adhesion, contractile forces and biochemical signaling to drive the polarized organization of junctional tension necessary to build an in vivo epithelial barrier.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01170-7

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