Adhesion protein networks reveal functions proximal and distal to cell-matrix contacts

- Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital for multicellular life.
- Complexes of structural and signalling proteins link the ECM to the cytoskeleton.
- Adhesion signalling networks are complex, diverse, dynamic and tightly regulated.
- Some adhesion proteins perform unexpected functions away from cell-matrix contacts.
- Nuclear roles for adhesion proteins have been revealed in diseases such as cancer.