Cadherins and tissue formation: integrating adhesion and signaling

Cadherins and other cell-substrate and cell-cell adhesion molecules play an essential role during development. Through their cytoplasmic interaction w ith the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion molecules physically link cells with th e extracellular matrix and/or with each other. These interactions create ar chitectural and structural entities that enable the tissues in the embryo t o restrain the physical forces encountered during development. Regulated ce ll adhesion is also often the driving force of morphogenetic movements. Thi s review goes beyond the adhesive aspect of cadherins, focusing on their ro les as signaling molecules in development. We discuss how cadherins, throug h their effects on cell proliferation, cell death, cell polarization, and d ifferentiation, play a role in the formation of tissues and organs in the d eveloping embryo. BioEssays 21:211-220, 1999. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, I nc.