Regulation of adherens junctions by Rho GTPases and p120-catenin

The molecular mechanisms leading to tumor progression and acquisition of a metastatic phenotype are highly complex and only partially understood. The spatiotemporal regulation of E-cadherin-mediated adherens junctions is essential for normal epithelia function and tissue integrity. Perturbation of the E-cadherin complex assembly is a key event in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and is directed by a huge number of mechanisms that differ greatly with regard to cell types and tissues. The reduction in intercellular adhesion interferes with tissue integrity and allows cancer cells to disseminate from the primary tumor thereby initiating cancer metastasis. In the present review we will summarize the current findings about the influence of Rho GTPases on the formation and maintenance of adherens junction and will then proceed to discuss the involvement of p120-catenin on cell–cell adhesion and tumor cell migration.

► Regulation of adherens junctions is essential for normal epithelia function.
► Reduction in intercellular adhesion allows cancer cell dissemination and metastasis.
► The influence of Rho GTPases on adherens junctions is summarized.
► The involvement of p120-catenin on adhesion and tumor cell migration is discussed.