Figure 1.

A proposed model for TRPV4-dependent clustering of AJ complexes. In the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺ (0 Ca²⁺), keratinocytes do not contact each other. After addition of high extra-cellular Ca²⁺, adhesion molecules relocate to the plasma membrane. TRPV4 binds to β-catenin, making complexes with adhesion molecules. Under physiological skin temperature, Ca²⁺ influx via TRPV4 promotes Rho activation, which enhances actin polymerization at cell-cell contact sites. Clustering of AJ complexes is promoted adjacent to TRPV4, leading to maturation of intercellular junction.