α-Catenin phosphorylation is tension-sensitive and supports epithelial barrier functions via afadin.

α-Catenin phosphorylation is force-dependent and enhances epithelial barrier function by promoting afadin binding at zonula adherens junctions.

• Why it matters: Understanding how actomyosin contractility influences junction structure and barrier integrity is incomplete, limiting insights into epithelial tissue regulation and related diseases.
• What they did: The study examined force-dependent phosphorylation of α-catenin in a mouse model, identifying residues necessary for afadin binding and assessing effects on junctions and barrier function.
• The result: Prevention of α-catenin phosphorylation impaired barrier function and postnatal brain development, suggesting phosphorylation supports junction enrichment and barrier integrity through afadin interaction.