Rho-family GTPases in cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion

Abstract

Cell-cell adhesions are rearranged dynamically during tissue development and tumour metastasis. Recently, Rho-family GTPases, including RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42, have emerged as key regulators of cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion. Following the identification and characterization of regulators and effectors of Rho GTPases, signal transduction pathways from cadherin to Rho GTPases and, in turn, from Rho GTPases to cadherin, are beginning to be clarified.