Structural determinants of the mechanical stability of α-Catenin

Background: We investigated how α-catenin transduces force at cell-to-cell adhesions. Results: Molecular dynamics simulations identified structural features contributing to α-catenin stability and its deformation under applied force. Conclusion: A cooperative network of salt bridges in α-catenin regulates both α-catenin stability and how it unfolds under force. Significance: These findings reveal the molecular basis of experimental observations and the impact of reported cancer-linked α-catenin mutants.