PathwayStep4774 PathwayStep4773 PathwayStep4772 PathwayStep4775 PathwayStep4776 PathwayStep4777 PathwayStep4778 PathwayStep4787 Connection of adjacent cells through calcium-dependent trans-dimerization of cadherin Interaction of cadherin with Beta/gamma catenin, alpha catenin and p120 catenin Interaction of Afadin with F-actin Cis-homodimerization of nectins Interaction of Nectins with Afadin Transhomodimerization of Nectin-like (Necl) proteins Transhomodimerization of Nectins Nectin/Necl trans heterodimerization Adherens junctions interactions Authored: Matthews, L, 2009-05-15 19:26:33 Edited: Matthews, L, 2009-04-21 15:39:06 GENE ONTOLOGYGO:0034332 Pubmed16025097 Pubmed17854762 Pubmed18365233 Pubmed19081036 Reactome Database ID Release 43418990 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_19195 Reviewed: Ebnet, K, 2009-08-26 The adherens junctions (AJ) are multiprotein complexes that promote homotypic cell adhesion in nearly all types of tissue by linking membrane and cytoskeletal components at discrete contact regions (reviewed in Hartsock & Nelson 2008; Gumbiner 2005; Ebnet, 2008). The molecular constituents of adherens junctions form adhesive units which are organized into higher order junctional adhesions that create a zipper-like seal between adjacent cells. Junctional adhesions function in epithelial cell polarization and in the coupling of cytoskeletons in adjacent cells that allow coordinated movements. During embryonic development, AJs function in specifying adhesion between cells and contribute in the sorting of different cell types. AJs also regulate cell polarity and shape, promote cell-cell communication and help mediate contact inhibition of cell growth. This module covers transdimerization events involving AJ transmembrane proteins (cadherins and nectins) (Gumbiner 2005; Ebnet 2008; Hartsock & Nelson 2008).