Cadherins: Actin with the cytoskeleton to form synapses

Classic cadherins are calcium-dependent homophilic cell adhesion molecules that are enriched at synapses and thought to function in target recognition and adhesion at synaptic junctions. This brief review highlights evidence that cadherins and their associated catenins play a role in directing the development of pre- and postsynaptic specializations. In particular, the question of whether cadherin regulation of the actin cytoskeleton at discrete contact sites translates into the assembly of synaptic compartments will be explored.