Figure 1.

Molecular forces exerted on single molecular bonds. They are likely exerted on the cytoplasmic domain of E-cadherin when it is attached to F-actin networks. Molecular reporters such as Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors are expected to be sensitive to this local force. Due to its embedding in the plasma membrane and lateral clusters, the force exerted on the extracellular domain of E-cadherin and transmitted to the neighboring cells might differ significantly from the traction force applied to its intracellular domain.