ABSTRACT
Cadherins are cell surface proteins that are directly involved in a wide variety of processes such as cell adhesion, cell sorting, cell survival, morphogenesis, formation of intercellular junctions, maintenance of tissue integrity and tumourigenesis. This review discusses the multiple functions of cadherins in reproductive tissues. Furthermore, the role of the intracellular signalling protein beta-catenin in regulating cadherin function is reviewed. Finally, the findings that cadherin concentrations in reproductive tissues are responsive to steroid hormones is discussed. The modulation of cadherin expression by hormones is in agreement with the hypothesis that these proteins are dynamically involved in the maintenance of structure and function in reproductive tissues.
Subject(s)
Cadherins/physiology , Reproduction/physiology , Animals , Cadherins/chemistry , Cell Physiological Phenomena , Female , Genitalia/cytology , Genitalia/physiology , Hormones/pharmacology , Humans , Male , Neoplasms , Pregnancy , Transcription FactorsABSTRACT
The endothelial cell adhesion molecules, neural- and vascular endothelial-cadherin play essential roles in the formation of stable and fully functional blood vessels. This commentary discusses the multiple functions of these two cadherins in angiogenesis and the maintenance of blood vessel structural integrity.
