Different types of punctate AJs contain branched actin networks. (A) In focal AJs, VE-cadherin localizes at the tips of oblique actin bundles (arrows), where branched filaments are also present. (B) In intercellular bridges, Arp2/3 complex colocalizes with VE-cadherin along the lateral interface between two filopodium-like protrusions from adjacent cells shaded in yellow and blue, respectively. (C) In engulfed fingers, VE-cadherin is enriched along the linear extension of the yellow (engulfed) cell and within a funnel-shaped lamellipodium of the blue (engulfing) cell. Oppositely oriented actin branches (red and green) are present where the funnel-shaped lamellipodium overlaps with the base of the engulfed finger. Top left: Overviews of the junction area with pseudocolored individual cells. Cell overlap in A and funnel-shaped lamellipodia in C are shaded in green. Red-bracketed areas are enlarged in bottom left panels. Cyan-bracketed areas are enlarged in right panels. Double-immunogold staining of VE-cadherin (18 nm, yellow) and either NMIIA (A and C; 12 nm, cyan) or Arpc2 (B; 12 nm, red). Representative actin branches apparently coming from different cells are shaded in red and green, respectively (A and C). Bars: (top left) 5 µm; (bottom left) 2 µm; (right) 200 nm.