Working model for the role of non-canonical Wnt ligand Wnt-5a in mechanotransduction. Wnt-5a, through ROR2, activates Cdc42 at adherens junctions, which is necessary for stable binding of vinculin to α-catenin, and efficient mechanocoupling between endothelial cells. Low non-canonical Wnt signaling weakens adherens junctions, impairs force propagation, and disrupts collective cell migration of endothelial cells.
From: Carvalho JR, Fortunato IC, Fonseca CG, Pezzarossa A, Barbacena P, Dominguez-Cejudo MA, Vasconcelos FA, Santos NC, Carvalho FA, Franco CA. Non-canonical Wnt signaling regulates junctional mechanocoupling during angiogenic collective cell migration. eLife. 2019;8:e45853. doi: 10.7554/eLife.45853.