Biology subjects

Heier, J. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Heier, J. A..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Mechanical opening of the αE-catenin M-region gates afadin condensation in cardiomyocytes

In mechanically active tissues, cell-cell adhesions must withstand high and dynamic loads to maintain tissue integrity. The ability to detect and withstand load centers on the mechanosensitive adherens junction (AJ), which couples the actin networks of adjacent cells. The mechanosensor E-catenin responds to force by opening its Middle (M) region, revealing cryptic binding sites for adaptor proteins such as afadin and vinculin. Here we show that the afadin coiled-coil (CC) region binds the open E-catenin M-region with modest affinity and fast exchange, unlike the high-affinity, long-lived binding of vinculin, suggesting distinct roles. In cardiomyocytes, the afadin CC is necessary and sufficient for afadin localization at high-load AJs, where it exhibits the dynamic, hexanediol-sensitive properties of a biomolecular condensate. By contrast, the afadin CC is dispensable for recruitment at low-load epithelial AJs, suggesting that junctional load determines the basis of afadin recruitment. We propose that force-gated opening of E-catenin seeds afadin condensate formation, a mechanism that drives reorganization of high-load AJs.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Distinct autoinhibitory mechanisms regulate vinculin binding by alpha-T-catenin and alpha-E-catenin

-catenin binds directly to {beta}-catenin and connects the cadherin-catenin complex to the actin cytoskeleton. Tension regulates -catenin conformation: actomyosin-generated force stretches the middle(M)-region to relieve autoinhibition and reveal a binding site for the actin-binding protein vinculin. Here we describe the biochemical properties of T(testes)-catenin, an -catenin isoform critical for cardiac function, and how intramolecular interactions regulate vinculin binding autoinhibition. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed that T-catenin binds the {beta}-catenin/N-cadherin complex with a similar low nanomolar affinity to that of E-catenin. Limited proteolysis revealed that the T-catenin M-region adopts a more open conformation than E-catenin. The T-catenin M-region binds the vinculin N-terminus with low nanomolar affinity, indicating that the isolated T-catenin M-region is not autoinhibited and thereby distinct from E-catenin. However, the T-catenin head (N- and M-regions) binds vinculin 1000-fold more weakly (low micromolar affinity), indicating that the N-terminus regulates M-region binding to vinculin. In cells, T-catenin recruitment of vinculin to cell-cell contacts requires the actin-binding domain and actomyosin-generated tension, indicating that force regulates vinculin binding. Together, our results indicate that the T-catenin N-terminus is required to maintain M-region autoinhibition and modulate vinculin binding. We postulate that the unique molecular properties of T-catenin allow it to function as a scaffold for building specific adhesion complexes.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2018

The N-cadherin interactome in primary cardiomyocytes as defined by quantitative proximity proteomics.

The junctional complexes that couple cardiomyocytes must transmit the mechanical forces of contraction while maintaining adhesive homeostasis. The adherens junction (AJ) connects the actomyosin networks of neighboring cardiomyocytes and is required for proper heart function. Yet little is known about the molecular composition of the cardiomyocyte AJ or how it is organized to function under mechanical load. Here we define the architecture, dynamics and proteome of the cardiomyocyte AJ. Mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes assemble stable AJs along intercellular contacts with organizational and structural hallmarks similar to mature contacts. We combine quantitative mass spectrometry with proximity labeling to identify the N-cadherin (CDH2) interactome. We define over 350 proteins in this interactome, nearly 200 of which are unique to CDH2 and not part of the E-cadherin (CDH1) interactome. CDH2-specific interactors are comprised primarily of adaptor and adhesion proteins that promote junction specialization. Finally, we find evidence of dynamic interplay between AJ and Z-disc proteins. Together, our results provide novel insight into the cardiomyocyte AJ and provide a proteomic atlas for defining the molecular complexes that regulate cardiomyocyte intercellular adhesion.\n\nSummary StatementProximity proteomics reveals a specific and specialized N-cadherin (CDH2) interactome along the cell-cell contacts of primary cardiomyocytes.

cell biology↗