Fig. 6. Model for LINKIN-dependent cell adhesion during cell migration.

We hypothesize that LNKN-1 promotes cell adhesion through the interactions of its extracellular domain with other cells or extracellular matrix and through its intracellular domain by interacting with the microtubule cytoskeleton, which connects it to the chromosome. This allows the use of the nucleus as a huge anchor that can withstand the force of collective cell migration. RUVB-1/2 interact with LNKN-1 at the plasm membrane, and the microtubule cytoskeleton interacts with the chromosome potentially through the anaphase-promoting complex. NDK-1 and TAT-5 also promote cell adhesion and are likely associated with LNKN-1 at the plasma membrane, while condensin and cohesin likely promote cell adhesion through their interaction with chromosomes.