Adherens junctions (AJs) are cell-cell adhesion complexes that perform multiple functions including initiation of cell-cell adhesion, stabilization of cell-cell contacts, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, transcription regulation, and intracellular signaling. AJs are comprised of transmembrane glycoproteins from the cadherin (e.g., E-cadherin) and catenin (p120-catenin) family members. These proteins control their formation and maintain their function.

The pathway below is interactive, meaning you can click on an active pathway component (highlighted in orange) to learn more about available mouse models relevant to that specific gene and pathway function.