Cadherin signaling - Homo sapiens (human)

Cadherins constitute a large superfamily of calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion proteins that serve as critical determinants of the timing and specificity of cell interactions, migration, and morphogenetic processes. Many cadherins mediate mechanical coupling between adjacent cells by organizing highly ordered junctional complexes. Beyond their adhesive roles, cadherins act as signaling platforms that influence cell motility, proliferation, and gene expression.