[Molecular aspects of cadherin-mediated cell adhesion: the first moments of the interaction].
Cadherins play a major role in the development and maintenance of all solid tissues. These transmembrane glycoproteins are responsible for calcium-dependent homophilic cell interactions. Recently, many different experimental approaches have been used to untangle the molecular basis of cadherin-mediated adherence. Various models have been suggested, particularly from high-resolution structures. Whilst the adherence mechanism is still under controversy, it is widely accepted that the specificity of the adherent interaction is localized to the N-terminal domain. New biophysical techniques together with biological approaches will allow a better understanding of how cadherins regulate cell-cell adherence. Integrating kinetics properties of cadherin interaction at the single molecule level has led to a greater understanding of cadherin molecular regulations.
Perret
Emilie
E
CNRS UMR144, Institut Curie, Morphogenèse cellulaire et progression tumorale, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris.
Courjean
Olivier
O
Vigier
Sylvain
S
Feracci
Hélène
H
D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000502:physiology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological
D015820:Cadherins