Cadherin clusters and actin filaments

Our preliminary studies show that cell-cell adhesion is mediated by transient but highly adhesive cadherin clusters. These clusters are continuously generated by the actin cytoskeleton at the sites of adhesion. The goal of our proposal is to determine the molecular mechanism of this process. Some of the mutants obtained in our study are expected to stabilize cell-cell contacts. Using organotypic keratinocyte culture and Xenopus skin development, we will explore whether such mutants delay epidermal morphogenesis. These mutants will be also tested for rescue the adhesion defect induced by anti-desmosome antibodies. The study is a critical step toward the development of synthetic adhesion modulators and their application in medicine.