Cadherin cell adhesion molecules in differentiation and embryogenesis.
The cadherin gene superfamily of calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules contains more than 40 members. We summarize functions attributed to these proteins, especially their roles in cellular differentiation and embryogenesis. We also describe hierarchies of protein-protein interactions between cadherins and cadherin-associated proteins (catenins). Several signal transduction pathways converge on, and diverge from, the cadherin/catenin complex to regulate its function; we speculate on roles of these signaling processes for cell structure and function. This review provides a framework for interpretation of developmental functions of cadherin cell adhesion molecules.
Department of Medicine, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis 46202-5116, USA.
J A
JA
Marrs
W J
WJ
Nelson
D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D003896:Desmosomes; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction
D015820:Cadherins