Mechanical force induces α-actinin-4 and actin accumulation at the cell junction. (A) Deconvolved optical section at the apical junction showing tension-induced α-actinin-4 and actin accumulation in maturing monolayers. (B) Quantitation of junctional stainings in A before (U) and after (P) cyclic pressure showing sixfold induction of α-actinin-4 and twofold induction of actin accumulation. (C) Deconvolved optical section and z-composites at the apical junction showing tension-induced α-actinin-4 and actin accumulation in mature monolayers. (D) Quantitation of junctional stainings in C before (U) and after (P) cyclic pressure showing a modest increase in α-actinin-4 and actin accumulation. (E) Deconvolved optical section at the apical junction showing tension-induced α-actinin-4 accumulation by prolonged cyclic basal 2 mmHg pressure despite decrease in β-catenin and p120 (pink arrowheads). (F) Quantitation of junctional stainings in E before (U) and after (P) cyclic pressure. (G) Normalization of junctional staining in E showing sixfold induction of α-actinin-4. (H) Deconvolved optical section at the apical junction showing unchanged levels of synaptopodin after prolonged cyclic pressure. White arrowheads show colocalization of synaptopodin, α-actinin-4, and β-catenin. (I) Quantitation of junctional stainings in H before (U) and after (P) cyclic pressure. (J) Normalization of junctional staining in H showing sixfold induction of α-actinin-4. (B, D, F, G, I, and J) Means are represented by horizontal lines. Bars, 5 µm.