The effects of vinculin depletion on R2/7 transfectants. (A) Vinculin localization in nontransfected R2/7, αE(1–508)-R2/7, and αE(1–508)EPLIN-R2/7 cells. In both transfectants, but not in the parent cells, vinculin accumulated along cell–cell contact sites, marked with EGFP signals (arrows). (B) The vinculin level was significantly reduced by treatment with two vinculin-specific siRNA (siVinculin) probes, of which siVinculin No. 7 produced a stronger effect. Molecular mass is indicated in kilodaltons next to the gel blot. (C) Dispersion of αE(1–508)-R2/7 cells was induced by vinculin depletion. (D) The junctions of αE(1–508)EPLIN-R2/7 cells are resistant to vinculin depletion. Bars, 10 µm.