cells Review Stick around: Cell–Cell Adhesion Molecules during Neocortical Development David de Agustín-Durán † , Isabel Mateos-White † , Jaime Fabra-Beser and Cristina Gil-Sanz * Neural Development Laboratory, Instituto Universitario de Biomedicina y Biotecnología (BIOTECMED) and Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultat de Biología, Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain;
[email protected] (D.d.A.-D.);
[email protected] (I.M.-W.);
[email protected] (J.F.-B.) * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +34-96-354-4173 † These authors contributed equally to this work. Abstract: The neocortex is an exquisitely organized structure achieved through complex cellular processes from the generation of neural cells to their integration into cortical circuits after complex migration processes. During this long journey, neural cells need to establish and release adhesive interactions through cell surface receptors known as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Several types of CAMs have been described regulating different aspects of neurodevelopment. Whereas some of them mediate interactions with the extracellular matrix, others allow contact with additional cells. In this review, we will focus on the role of two important families of cell–cell adhesion molecules (C-CAMs), classical cadherins and nectins, as well as in their effectors, in the control of fundamental processes related with corticogenesis, with special attention in the cooperative actions among the two families of C-CAMs. Keywords: CAMs; classical cadherins; nectins; neocortical development; radial glia cells; neurons; neuronal migration; axon targeting; synaptogenesis; neurodevelopmental disorders Citation: de Agustín-Durán, D.; Mateos-White, I.; Fabra-Beser, J.; 1. Introduction Gil-Sanz, C. Stick around: Cell–Cell The nervous system structure and functionality are sustained by an exceptionally Adhesion Molecules during complex network of interconnected cells.