Cytoplasm

Cell biology

Biology

Receptor

Extracellular matrix

Signal transduction

Focal adhesion

Mechanosensitive channels

Biochemistry

Integrin

Actin

Actin cytoskeleton

Cell adhesion

Cytoskeleton

Cell

Transmembrane domain

Transmembrane protein

Ion channel

The Journal of Cell Biology

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), mediated by transmembrane receptors of the integrin family, is exquisitely sensitive to biochemical, structural, and mechanical features of the ECM. Talin is a cytoplasmic protein consisting of a globular head domain and a series of α-helical bundles that form its long rod domain. Talin binds to the cytoplasmic domain of integrin β-subunits, activates integrins, couples them to the actin cytoskeleton, and regulates integrin signaling. Recent evidence suggests switch-like behavior of the helix bundles that make up the talin rod domains, where individual domains open at different tension levels, exerting positive or negative effects on different protein interactions. These results lead us to propose that talin functions as a mechanosensitive signaling hub that integrates multiple extracellular and intracellular inputs to define a major axis of adhesion signaling.

Talin as a mechanosensitive signaling hub