Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
Cadherins: actin with the cytoskeleton to form synapses
1Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. shernaz.bamji@ubc.ca
Abstract:
Classic cadherins are calcium-dependent homophilic cell adhesion molecules that are enriched at synapses and thought to function in target recognition and adhesion at synaptic junctions. This brief review highlights evidence that cadherins and their associated catenins play a role in directing the development of pre- and postsynaptic specializations. In particular, the question of whether cadherin regulation of the actin cytoskeleton at discrete contact sites translates into the assembly of synaptic compartments will be explored.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Structure of Cadherins
Catenins
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the adherens...
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
Desmosomes

