Abstract

The cadherin molecules at adherens junctions have multiple isoforms. Cadherin isoform switching (cadherin switching) occurs during normal developmental processes to allow cell types to segregate from one another. Tumor cells often recapitulate this activity and the result is an aggressive tumor cell that gains the ability to leave the site of the tumor and metastasize. At present, we understand some of the mechanisms that promote cadherin switching and some of the pathways downstream of this process that influence cell behavior. Specific cadherin family members influence growth-factor-receptor signaling and Rho GTPases to promote cell motility and invasion. In addition, p120-catenin probably plays multiple roles in cadherin switching, regulating Rho GTPases and stabilizing cadherins.

Keywords

Adherens junctionCadherinBiologyMotilityCell biologyGTPaseGene isoformCellGeneGenetics

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Publication Info

Year
2008
Type
review
Volume
121
Issue
6
Pages
727-735
Citations
743
Access
Closed

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Margaret J. Wheelock, Yasushi Shintani, Masato Maeda et al. (2008). Cadherin switching. Journal of Cell Science , 121 (6) , 727-735. https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.000455

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DOI
10.1242/jcs.000455