Cadherins are among the most important and widely distributed cell adhesion proteins, and their selective binding helps to define physical connections between the cells of vertebrates and invertebrates. Cadherin selectivity provides a critical mechanism to shape developing tissues. In earlier work, we defined the atomic-level molecular mechanisms of vertebrate classical cadherin adhesive interaction and junction formation. Here we propose specific aims in three main areas to build on this work: (1) we will quantitatively determine the affinities of interactions among the classical cadherins, and define cellular correlates of these molecular properties. (2) We will investigate structural and mechanistic aspects of adherens junctions, and (3) we will determine structures and binding mechanisms for Drosophila classical cadherins in order to develop a facile genetic system with which the molecular adhesive properties of cadherins can be tested for their effects on tissue development.

Public Health Relevance

Cadherins mediate adhesion between cells to help form and hold together the solid tissues of the body. Our proposed work will provide a mechanistic understanding of their function and quantitative measures of their interactions. These data will help to understand in unprecedented detail how cell adhesion helps shape the body plan.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM062270-12
Application #
8603241
Study Section
Intercellular Interactions Study Section (ICI)
Program Officer
Flicker, Paula F
Project Start
2001-07-01
Project End
2016-01-31
Budget Start
2014-02-01
Budget End
2015-01-31
Support Year
12
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Columbia University (N.Y.)
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10032
Brasch, Julia; Katsamba, Phinikoula S; Harrison, Oliver J et al. (2018) Homophilic and Heterophilic Interactions of Type II Cadherins Identify Specificity Groups Underlying Cell-Adhesive Behavior. Cell Rep 23:1840-1852
Indra, Indrajyoti; Choi, Jongho; Chen, Chi-Shuo et al. (2018) Spatial and temporal organization of cadherin in punctate adherens junctions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 115:E4406-E4415
Rubinstein, Rotem; Goodman, Kerry Marie; Maniatis, Tom et al. (2017) Structural origins of clustered protocadherin-mediated neuronal barcoding. Semin Cell Dev Biol 69:140-150
Goodman, Kerry Marie; Rubinstein, Rotem; Thu, Chan Aye et al. (2016) ?-Protocadherin structural diversity and functional implications. Elife 5:
Harrison, Oliver J; Brasch, Julia; Lasso, Gorka et al. (2016) Structural basis of adhesive binding by desmocollins and desmogleins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 113:7160-5
Goodman, Kerry M; Yamagata, Masahito; Jin, Xiangshu et al. (2016) Molecular basis of sidekick-mediated cell-cell adhesion and specificity. Elife 5:
Goodman, Kerry Marie; Rubinstein, Rotem; Thu, Chan Aye et al. (2016) Structural Basis of Diverse Homophilic Recognition by Clustered ?- and ?-Protocadherins. Neuron 90:709-23
Chen, Chi-Shuo; Hong, Soonjin; Indra, Indrajyoti et al. (2015) ?-Catenin-mediated cadherin clustering couples cadherin and actin dynamics. J Cell Biol 210:647-61
Rubinstein, Rotem; Thu, Chan Aye; Goodman, Kerry Marie et al. (2015) Molecular logic of neuronal self-recognition through protocadherin domain interactions. Cell 163:629-42
Biswas, Kabir H; Hartman, Kevin L; Yu, Cheng-han et al. (2015) E-cadherin junction formation involves an active kinetic nucleation process. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 112:10932-7

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