Regulation of Cadherin Trafficking

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Emmanuella Delva, Emory University; Andrew Kowalczyk, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2009-03
• Publisher: Wiley: 12 months
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: #2009 Blackwell Munksgaard
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.crossref.org/10.1111%2Fj.1600-0854.2008.00862.x
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Traffic
• ISSN: 1398-9219
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 259
• End Page: 267
• Grant/Funding Information: The authors acknowledge funding to APK from the NIH (R01AR048266, R01 AR050501).; ED was supported by NIH F31CA110278.
• Keywords: catenin; cell-cell adhesion; growth factors; adherens junctions; desmosomes; Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition; Endocytosis; pemphigus vulgaris
• Research Categories: Biology, Cell

Abstract

Cadherins are a large family of cell-cell adhesion molecules that tether cytoskeletal networks of actin and intermediate filaments to the plasma membrane. This function of cadherins promotes tissue organization and integrity, as demonstrated by numerous disease states that are characterized by the loss of cadherin-based adhesion. However, plasticity in cell adhesion is often required in cellular processes such as tissue patterning during development and epithelial migration during wound healing. Recent work has revealed a pivotal role for various membrane trafficking pathways in regulating cellular transitions between quiescent adhesive states and more dynamic phenotypes. The regulation of cadherins by membrane trafficking is emerging as a key player in this balancing act and studies are beginning to reveal how this process goes awry in the context of disease. This review summarizes the current understanding of how cadherins are routed and how the interface between cadherins and membrane trafficking pathways regulates cell surface adhesive potential. Particular emphasis is placed on the regulation of cadherin trafficking by catenins and the interplay between growth factor signaling pathways and cadherin endocytosis.