Biological & Soft Matter Seminar: Biophysics of cadherin adhesion: how cell adhesion proteins respond to force

Zoom: https://tau-ac-il.zoom.us/j/88904888353?pwd=dDIwaXRxSjlsVElkR0dXdTNPTGhnZz09

Abstract: 

Cells in tissues exert forces as they squeeze, stretch, flex and pull on each other. These forces are incredibly small - on the scale of piconewtons, but they are essential in mediating cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.

A key protein responsible for sensing mechanical forces, are the classical cadherin family of cell-cell adhesion proteins. Cadherins are essential for the formation and maintenance of tissue; disruption in cadherin adhesion result in severe diseases like cancer and cardio-vascular disease. My research uses ultrasensitive biophysical measurements to resolve the molecular mechanisms by which cadherins sense and respond to mechanical forces. In my talk, I will show how extracellular mechanical forces tune classical cadherin conformation and adhesion on the cell surface. I will also show how force-induced changes in cadherin structure and function are regulated. Finally, I will describe how classical cadherin adhesion can be strengthened using monoclonal antibodies.