Myosin (red) contraction of actin (green) bundles breaks cell–cell junctions upon stimulation with HGF.
During cell scattering induced by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), cell contacts must necessarily be disrupted. The down–regulation of E-cadherin expression or function by HGF has thus been the focus of attention for researchers interested in how epithelial cells acquire migratory abilities. Now, the new findings indicate that cadherins remain functional but are forcibly ripped apart.
HGF-treated cells that did not migrate away from their neighbors maintained functional E-cadherin adhesions. New adhesions were also built as scattering cells made new encounters. Though working properly, E-cadherin adhesions were rapidly lost just as cells started migrating.According...
