Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
The cadherin superfamily in neuronal connections and interactions
1RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, 2-2-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan. takeichi@cdb.riken.jp
Abstract:
Neural development and the organization of complex neuronal circuits involve a number of processes that require cell-cell interaction. During these processes, axons choose specific partners for synapse formation and dendrites elaborate arborizations by interacting with other dendrites. The cadherin superfamily is a group of cell surface receptors that is comprised of more than 100 members. The molecular structures and diversity within this family suggest that these molecules regulate the contacts or signalling between neurons in a variety of ways. In this review I discuss the roles of three subfamilies - classic cadherins, Flamingo/CELSRs and protocadherins - in the regulation of neuronal recognition and connectivity.
Related Concept Videos
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
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...
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
