Nectins are immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules comprising a family of four members, nectin 1 - 4 (Takai and Nakanishi, 2003). In contrast to classical cadherins which interact only homophilically, nectins undergo trans-homophilic and trans-heterophilic interactions with nectins and nectin-like molecules (Takai et al., 2008b). Nectins cooperate with cadherins in regulating the formation of adherens junctions (AJs) and the strength of cell-cell adhesion. Nectins are linked to the underlying actin cytoskeleton through their interaction with the actin-binding protein Afadin (Takai et al., 2008a). Nectin-based cell–cell adhesions contribute to formation of many types of cell-cell junctions including AJs, tight junctions, and synaptic junctions.
Aoki, J, Takai, Y, Nishioka, H, Nakanishi, H, Satoh, K, Mizoguchi, A, Miyahara, M, Mandai, K, Takahashi, K, Satoh, A, Nomoto, A
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