adherensühendustest

Adherensühendused, also known as adherens junctions, are a type of cell junction found in animal cells. They play a crucial role in maintaining tissue integrity and mediating cell-to-cell adhesion. These junctions are characterized by their association with the actin cytoskeleton, linking the intracellular actin filaments of neighboring cells.

The core components of adherens junctions include cadherin molecules, which are transmembrane glycoproteins. Cadherins from adjacent cells bind to each other in a calcium-dependent manner. Inside the cell, the cytoplasmic tails of cadherins are linked to a complex of intracellular anchor proteins, such as catenins (alpha- and beta-catenin) and plakoglobin. This protein complex effectively bridges the cadherin-cadherin interaction across the cell membrane to the actin cytoskeleton.

Adherens junctions form continuous belts around cells, particularly in epithelial tissues, and are thus often referred to as "zonula adherens" (adherens belts). They provide mechanical strength to tissues by transmitting tensile forces between cells. Beyond their structural function, adherens junctions are also involved in cell signaling pathways, influencing cell growth, differentiation, and migration. Disruptions in adherens junction formation or function can lead to various diseases, including developmental abnormalities and cancer.