Cell adhesion - Cadherin-mediated cell adhesion

Click on a target from the pathway image to view related information. Zoom     View Legend

photo_map
 


Cadherin-mediated cell adhesion

Cadherins are calcium-dependent homophilic cell adhesion proteins essential for tissue organization. Establishment of stable cell-cell adhesion depends on association of classical Cadherins with Catenins, which links cell surface adhesion and recognition to both Actin cytoskeleton and cell signaling pathways. Catenin (cadherin-associated protein), beta 1 (Beta-catenin) binds with high affinity to the distal Cadherin cytoplasmic tail and, in turn, recruits Catenin (cadherin-associated protein), alpha 1, 102kDa (Alpha-catenin) to the complex. Alpha-catenin binds to Actin filaments directly and can also associate with a range of other actin-binding proteins such as Myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukemia; translocated to, 4 (AF-6) and Formin. In contrast, Catenin delta 1 (p120-catenin) binds directly to Cadherin independently of the other catenins. Cadherin-Catenins complex can further interact with a range of signaling molecules which participate in either cellular signaling or control of cytoskeletal dynamics [1]. Stability of the Cadherin/ Catenins complex and thereby the integrity of adherent junction is controlled by phosphorylation/ dephosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Beta-catenin by receptor- and non-receptor-types tyrosine kinases results in dissociation of Alpha-catenin from Beta-catenin with concomitant loss of cadherin adhesion, whereas tyrosine phosphatases ensure or restore the integrity of Cadherin-mediated adhesions [2].

References:

  1. Goodwin M, Yap AS
    Classical cadherin adhesion molecules: coordinating cell adhesion, signaling and the cytoskeleton. Journal of molecular histology 2004 Nov;35(8-9):839-44
  2. Lilien J, Balsamo J
    The regulation of cadherin-mediated adhesion by tyrosine phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of beta-catenin. Current opinion in cell biology 2005 Oct;17(5):459-65

  1. Goodwin M, Yap AS
    Classical cadherin adhesion molecules: coordinating cell adhesion, signaling and the cytoskeleton. Journal of molecular histology 2004 Nov;35(8-9):839-44
  2. Lilien J, Balsamo J
    The regulation of cadherin-mediated adhesion by tyrosine phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of beta-catenin. Current opinion in cell biology 2005 Oct;17(5):459-65

Target Details

Click on a target from the pathway image to view related information.