Figure 2.

Cadherin-dependent morphogenic processes. Condensation is mediated by cadherins, the intracellular catenins, and the actin cytoskeleton and results in the regional accumulation of like cells. The condensed accumulation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes is responsible for the morphogenesis of the synovial lining layer. Cellular rearrangement is another morphogenic process that involves cell movement and the reorganization of cellular adhesive contacts within the tissue. Compelling evidence indicates that cadherin participates in this process by providing a molecular stratum for cells to crawl over each other, thereby extending the tissue.