The cell-cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin

This review is dedicated to E-cadherin, a calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule with pivotal roles in epithelial cell behavior, tissue formation, and suppression of cancer. As founder member of the cadherin superfamily, it has been extensively investigated. We summarize the structure and regulation of the E-cadherin gene and transcript. Models for E-cadherin-catenin complexes and cell junctions are presented. The structure of the E-cadherin protein is discussed in view of the diverse functions of this remarkable protein. Homophilic and heterophilic adhesion are compared, including the role of E-cadherin as a receptor for pathogens. The complex post-translational processing of E-cadherin is reviewed, as well as the many signaling activities. The role of E-cadherin in embryonic development and morphogenesis is discussed for several animal models. Finally, we review the multiple mechanisms that disrupt E-cadherin function in cancer: inactivating somatic and germline mutations, epigenetic silencing by DNA methylation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition-inducing transcription factors, and dysregulated protein processing.

Authors and Affiliations

1. Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Molecular Cell Biology Unit, VIB, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium

   F. van Roy

2. Department of Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

   F. van Roy & G. Berx

3. Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Molecular and Cellular Oncology Unit, VIB, Ghent, Belgium

   G. Berx

Corresponding author

Correspondence to F. van Roy.

Received 22 May 2008; received after revision 2 July 2008; accepted 15 July 2008

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