Mechanical force induces α-actinin-4–dependent vinculin redistribution from the cytoplasm to the cell junction. (A) Wide-field immunofluorescence images showing tension-induced α-actinin-4 and vinculin accumulation at the cell junction. (B) Western blots showing tension-induced redistribution of α-actinin-4 and vinculin into the TX-100–insoluble pool. (C) Knockdown of α-actinin-4 prevents tension-induced vinculin incorporation into the TX-100–insoluble pool. (D) Knockdown of α-actinin-4 prevents tension-induced vinculin targeting to the cell junction. (E) Wide-field immunofluorescence images showing pretreatment of young monolayer with low cyclic pressure for 5 min strengthened cell–cell adhesions and prevented subsequent disruption by mechanical insult. Bars, 2 µm.