Cadherins, catenins and APC protein: interplay between cytoskeletal complexes and signaling pathways

Abstract

Cadherins play important roles in cell—cell adhesion during tissue differentiation. Cadherins are linked to the actin cytoskeleton by catenins (β-catenin/armadillo, plakoglobin, and α-catenin). Recent results show that β-catenin also binds to another cytoskeletal complex containing the adenomatous polyposis coli protein and microtubules, and interacts with several signaling pathways that include tyrosine kinases and phosphatases and Wnt/Wingless. Interplay between these cytoskeletal complexes and signaling pathways may regulate morphogenesis.