ADHERENS JUNCTIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Adherens junctions are protein-based cell junctions found in animal tissues that play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and cohesion of cells within a tissue. These junctions are primarily structured by the transmembrane protein cadherin, which interacts with the cadherin molecules of adjacent cells, creating adhesive connections.
The main function of adherens junctions is to provide mechanical support and facilitate cell-cell adhesion. They contribute to the development and maintenance of tissue architecture, as well as to the transmission of mechanical forces between cells. This allows cells to work together and form organized, multicellular structures.
Adherens junctions are particularly abundant in tissues that undergo mechanical stress or movement, such as the epithelium in the skin or the lining of the intestine. By linking cells together, they help distribute tension and resist shear forces, ensuring tissue integrity even under external physical stress.
The assembly and stability of adherens junctions are regulated by various intracellular proteins, including α-catenin, β-catenin, and γ-catenin, which bind to the cytoplasmic tail of cadherin. These proteins connect cadherin to the actin cytoskeleton, allowing for cell shape changes and cell movement while maintaining stable intercellular connections.
Disruption of adherens junctions can lead to compromised tissue integrity, loss of cell polarity, and abnormal cell migration, which are associated with numerous pathological conditions, including cancer metastasis and developmental disorders. Hence, understanding the mechanisms and functions of adherens junctions is of great importance in both normal physiology and disease research.
Common Misspellings for ADHERENS JUNCTIONS
- zdherens junctions
- sdherens junctions
- wdherens junctions
- qdherens junctions
- asherens junctions
- axherens junctions
- acherens junctions
- afherens junctions
- arherens junctions
- aeherens junctions
- adgerens junctions
- adberens junctions
- adnerens junctions
- adjerens junctions
- aduerens junctions
- adyerens junctions
- adhwrens junctions
- adhsrens junctions
- adhdrens junctions
- adhrrens junctions
Etymology of ADHERENS JUNCTIONS
The word "adherens" is derived from the Latin verb "adhaerere", which means "to adhere" or "to stick to". The term "junction" originates from the Latin noun "iunctio", which means "joining" or "union". Therefore, "adherens junctions" describes the adhesive connections between cells, where the cells are joined together.
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