Mechanical processes underlying precise and robust cell matching. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Shaobo; Saunders, Timothy
• Is Part Of: Seminars in cell & developmental biology. Volume 120(2021)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Cell matching -- Actomyosin -- Cell adhesion -- Filopodia -- Adhesion molecules; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1084-9521

Abstract

Abstract: During the development of complicated multicellular organisms, the robust formation of specific cell-cell connections (cell matching) is required for the generation of precise tissue structures. Mismatches or misconnections can lead to various diseases. Diverse mechanical cues, including differential adhesion and temporally varying cell contractility, are involved in regulating the process of cell-cell recognition and contact formation. Cells often start the process of cell matching through contact via filopodia protrusions, mediated by specific adhesion interactions at the cell surface. These adhesion interactions give rise to differential mechanical signals that can be further perceived by the cells. In conjunction with contractions generated by the actomyosin networks within the cells, this differentially coded adhesion information can be translated to reposition and sort cells. Here, we review the role of these different cell matching components and suggest how these mechanical factors cooperate with each other to facilitate specificity in cell-cell contact formation.