Adhesion proteins and the control of cell shape

The adherens junction functions to connect epithelial cells and maintain their polarized architecture. The geometry of the adherens junction, and consequently the shape of a cell, appears to reach an energetically favorable state. Cadherins within the adherens junction are necessary for cells to achieve this state. However, the view of an adherens junction as a static structure is at odds with the highly dynamic properties of epithelia during development. Interactions between the actin cytoskeleton and the adherens junction are required for certain cell shape changes. Recent insights into adherens junction remodeling have revealed the importance of polarized localization of myosin and Par3 at the adherens junction.