Integrin, cadherin, and growth factor receptor are key molecules for fundamental
cellular functions including cell movement, proliferation, differentiation,
adhesion, and survival. These cell surface molecules cross-talk with each other
in the regulation of such cellular functions. Nectin and nectin-like molecule
(Necl) have been identified as cell adhesion molecules that belong to the immunoglobulin
superfamily. Nectin and Necl play important roles in the integration of
integrin, cadherin, and growth factor receptor at the cell–cell adhesion sites of
contacting cells and at the leading edges of moving cells, and thus are also
involved in the fundamental cellular functions together with integrin, cadherin,
and growth factor receptor. This chapter describes how newly identified cell
adhesion molecules, nectin and Necl, modulate the cross-talk among integrin,
cadherin, and growth factor receptor and how these integrated molecules act in
the regulation of fundamental cellular functions.