FIGURE 9.

Schematic diagram of the proposed UNC‐45A roles in regulating intestinal epithelial junctions and cell migration. In control intestinal epithelial cells, UNC‐45A promotes myofilament assembly to create major contractile actomyosin structures, such as the perijunctional belt and focal adhesion associated stress‐fibers. The perijunctional belt is essential for tight junction/adherens junction integrity and barrier establishment. The actomyosin stress fibers mediate remodeling of focal adhesions and cell motility. Loss of UNC‐45A impairs assembly of the perijunctional actomyosin belt resulting in junctional disruption. It also diminishes formation of stress fibers that are essential for focal adhesion remodeling, thereby impeding epithelial cell migration. Illustration by David Schumick, BS, CMI. Reprinted with the permission, Cleveland Clinic Foundation © 2022. All Rights Reserved