Adherens Junctions Revisualized: Organizing Cadherins as Nanoassemblies

Abstract

This Perspective considers how classical cadherin cell-cell adhesion receptors are organized at the nanoscale to generate lateral clusters. Recent advances in optical microscopy reveal that clustering constitutes a general feature of cadherin organization, but one that takes diverse forms. Here we consider the molecular mechanisms responsible for cadherin clustering and their functional implications. We frame our discussion in light of what is known about how nanoscale organization is conferred upon the plasma membrane, through protein-protein interactions, regulation of the cortical actin cytoskeleton, and the lipid environment of the membrane.

Keywords: adherens junctions; cadherin; cytoskeleton; membrane organization; nanoclusters.