Cadherin Dynamics in Epithelial Cell Adhesion
Summary
Cadherins are transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate calcium-dependent homophilic adhesion between epithelial cells, forming adherens junctions that anchor to the actin cytoskeleton via catenin adaptors. The dynamic assembly and disassembly of these junctions underpin tissue integrity, morphogenesis and barrier function. Post-translational modifications—such as tyrosine phosphorylation of catenins—tune cadherin binding affinities, while endocytic recycling governs junction turnover and remodelling. Mechanical forces transmitted through cadherin–catenin complexes activate Rho GTPase signalling to reorganise the cortical actin network, sustaining tissue tension and enabling collective cell movements. Beyond structural roles, cadherin interfaces act as signalling hubs that modulate pathways including Wnt, Hippo and growth factor receptors. Dysregulation of cadherin dynamics contributes to developmental defects, inflammation and tumour progression, making this field of study central to understanding epithelial health and disease.
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Cadherin Dynamics in Epithelial Cell Adhesion publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cadherin dynamics in epithelial cell adhesion across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Cadherin: A calcium-dependent transmembrane adhesion molecule mediating homophilic cell–cell binding.
Adherens junction: A cadherin–catenin complex that links neighbouring cells to the actin cytoskeleton, providing mechanical cohesion.
Catenin: An intracellular adaptor protein (e.g. α-, β-, p120-catenin) that couples cadherins to actin filaments and transduces signals.
RhoA: A small GTPase that regulates actin polymerisation and myosin-driven contractility at cell junctions.
Endocytosis: The process of internalising membrane proteins, including cadherins, to regulate junction assembly and turnover.
References
- Plakophilin 4 controls the spatio-temporal activity of RhoA at adherens junctions to promote cortical actin ring formation and tissue tension. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (2024).
- Regulation of E-cadherin/Catenin Association by Tyrosine Phosphorylation*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (1999).
- Cell Adhesion and Its Endocytic Regulation in Cell Migration during Neural Development and Cancer Metastasis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2012).
- Cadherins and catenins in cancer: connecting cancer pathways and tumor microenvironment. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023).
- E-cadherin Beyond Structure: A Signaling Hub in Colon Homeostasis and Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2019).
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