Cadherins and catenins: interactions and functions in embryonic development

Abstract

During the past year, the family of cadherin cell-adhesion molecules has increased in number and diversity. Recent studies have also emphasized how cadherin activity can be regulated by the dynamic association with intracellular components, the catenins, and with extracellular molecules that are linked to different cell-signaling pathways. Finally, the initial steps have been taken towards identifying the function of cadherins in vivo, including their potential roles in early embryonic development.