ABSTRACT
Cadherins are calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion proteins involved in the sorting of cells and tissue morphogenesis. Th e most abundant and best characterized are the classical cadherins, a group that includes E(epithelial)-, P(placental)- and N(nerve)-cadherin. Cadherins are linked to a heterogeneous group of cytoskeletal proteins termed catenins. Among the catenins, β-catenin is a multifunctional protein with adhesion and signaling properties that plays a crucial role in the development of many tumors. Th e purpose of this chapter is to review the data on the expression of cadherins and catenins in matrical tumors of the hair, nails, teeth and pituitary gland. We propose that matrical tumors of these structures can be classifi ed together as a group based on similar phenotypical features and common activating cadherin/ catenin-derived oncogenic signaling.
