Adherens junctions on the move—membrane trafficking of E-cadherin

Abstract

Cadherin-based adherens junctions are conserved structures that mediate epithelial cell–cell adhesion in invertebrates and vertebrates. Despite their pivotal function in epithelial integrity, adherens junctions show a remarkable plasticity that is a prerequisite for tissue architecture and morphogenesis. Epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) is continuously turned over and under- goes cycles of endocytosis, sorting and recycling back to the plasma membrane. Mammalian cell culture and genetically tractable model systems such as Drosophila have revealed con- served, but also distinct, mechanisms in the regulation of E-cadherin membrane trafficking. Here, we discuss our current knowledge about molecules and mechanisms controlling endocytosis, sorting and recycling of E-cadherin during junctional remodeling.