Spatial integration of E-cadherin adhesion, signalling and the epithelial cytoskeleton

The characteristic tall and elongated shape of epithelial cells requires specialized adhesive structures and a distinct organization of cytoskeletal filaments. Cytoskeletal networks coordinate a precise organization of adhesive and signalling complexes along cell–cell contacts and enable exquisite strong cohesion among epithelial cells. E-cadherin, a calcium-dependent adhesion receptor, is an essential adhesive system in epithelia and its dynamic regulation and pathways that stabilize cell–cell adhesion have been extensively studied. This review highlights the less understood mechanisms underlying how cadherin receptor signalling drives cytoskeletal rearrangements which ultimately define the epithelial cell shape. In the past two years, new insights identify specific actin-binding proteins and regulators of the epithelial cytoskeleton as a framework to support junction dynamics, plasticity and maintenance.