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Structure of Cadherins

Structure of Cadherins

The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins” is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This diversity of cadherins...

Adherens Junctions

Adherens Junctions

Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...

Catenins

Catenins

Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
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...

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...

Tight Junctions

Tight Junctions

Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Published on: February 10, 2014

E-cadherin/β-catenin complex and the epithelial barrier.

Xinrui Tian¹, Zhuola Liu, Bo Niu

¹Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia.

Journal of Biomedicine & Biotechnology

|October 19, 2011

Summary

The E-Cadherin/β-catenin complex is vital for cell adhesion and Wnt signaling. Its disruption links to cancer and fibrosis, suggesting a tumor suppressive role.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Oncology
Pathology

Background:

The E-Cadherin/β-catenin complex is crucial for maintaining epithelial cell integrity.
This complex influences both cell adhesion and the Wnt-signaling pathway.
Disruption of this complex is implicated in various human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of the E-Cadherin/β-catenin complex in epithelial integrity.
To investigate the association between complex disruption and human malignancies.
To understand the complex's involvement in fibrosis linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Main Methods:

Analysis of E-Cadherin/β-catenin complex expression.
Investigation of Wnt-signaling pathway activity.
Correlation studies with epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers.

Main Results:

Aberrant E-Cadherin/β-catenin expression is linked to human cancers.
Disruption of the complex is associated with fibrotic disorders.
These findings highlight the complex's role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Conclusions:

The E-Cadherin/β-catenin complex is a key regulator of epithelial integrity and Wnt signaling.
Its aberrant expression is a hallmark of various malignancies and fibrotic conditions.
The complex's function in epithelial-mesenchymal transition underlies its tumor suppressive and anti-fibrotic actions.