Intercellular epithelial junctions formed by classical cadherins, β-catenin, and the actin-
binding protein α-catenin link the actin cytoskeletons of adjacent cells into a structural
continuum. These assemblies transmit forces through the tissue and respond to intracellular
and extracellular signals. However, the mechanisms of junctional assembly and regulation
are poorly understood. Studies of cadherin-catenin assembly in a number of metazoans
have revealed both similarities and unexpected differences in the biochemical properties of …