Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/umls/id/C1516364
NCI: Interactions between cells, responsible for cell to cell adhesion, can communicate signals into the cellular interior. These signals often involve interactions with cytoskeletal elements to produce changes in cell motility, migration, proliferation and shape. The cadherins are cell surface adhesion molecules that help form tight junctions between cells, such as in formation of epithelial cell layers. E-cadherin inactivation has been implicated in cancer development. In addition to mediating adhesion with other cells, cadherins transduce signals into cells through interactions with the catenins. Catenins probably affect actin cytoskeletal function through interactions with proteins such as actinin and vinculin. Catenins also probably trigger changes in cell shape and motility by signals through the Rho small GTPases. Another important cell adhesion molecule is CD-31, or PECAM-1, involved in the formation of junctions between endothelial cells, cell migration, migration of lymphocytes, and regulation of ly