Synaptopodin stress fiber and contractomere at the epithelial junction.

The apical junction of epithelial cells can generate force to control cell geometry and perform contractile processes while maintaining barrier function and adhesion. Yet, the structural basis for force generation at the apical junction is not fully understood. Here, we describe two synaptopodin-dependent actomyosin structures that are spatially, temporally, and structurally distinct.