Vinculin is a cytoskeletal protein enriched in focal adhesions and adherens junctions, playing a crucial role in linking the actin cytoskeleton to adhesion receptors such as integrins and cadherins. It regulates cell adhesion, migration, and mechanotransduction by binding to actin filaments, talin, paxillin, and other components of the adhesion complex. Vinculin exists in two conformational states—an active open state and an inactive closed state—regulated by interactions with binding partners like talin and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). This protein also enhances mechanosensing through the E-cadherin complex and influences cell morphology and locomotion. Additionally, vinculin stabilizes focal adhesions and can inhibit cell migration, potentially acting as a tumor suppressor by reducing cell motility.
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