N-cadherin, a vascular smooth muscle cell-cell adhesion molecule: function and signaling for vasomotor control

Cell-cell adhesion complexes are increasingly recognized as an important cell-signaling site, similar to integrin-extracellular matrix FA. Furthermore, cell-cell adhesions are involved in the regulation of multi-cellular/tissue organization and organ, tissue, and cellular level functional behavior. Although N-cadherin is the major cell-cell adhesion molecule in VSM, only limited studies have been undertaken to understand its function in VSM. In contrast, N-cadherin signaling and functions have been extensively studied in neurons, fibroblasts, and myocytes, as well as in the context of epithelial-mesenchymal-transitions. Increasing evidence has indicated that N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesions are important for tissue integrity and cell proliferation. Relevant to VSM, N-cadherin's role in actin cytoskeleton organization and contraction, as well as its role in regulation of Rho family GTPases are of particular interest. This article briefly reviews the fundamentals of N-cadherin biology that help shape our current understanding of its function and signaling mechanisms. In particular, attention is given to applications of this knowledge to VSM. The review points to the need for more research effort that is directed at understanding the role of N-cadherins in the regulation of vascular function.