N-cadherin adherens junctions mediate osteogenesis through PI3K signaling

► N-cadherin mediated adherens junctions are formed between cells in the perichondrium during osteogenesis. ► N-cadherin mediated adherens junctions activate PI3K signaling cascade in osteoblasts leading to increased osteogenesis. ► Knockout of β-catenin and Pten, adherens junction proteins conditionally in preosteoblasts using Dermo1cre affects N-cadherin adherens junction formation.