Cadherins are a class of CAMs that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. E-cadherin, a well-known member, is crucial for maintaining epithelial integrity. Loss or reduced expression of E-cadherin is commonly observed in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process where epithelial cells gain migratory and invasive properties. This reduction is often linked to increased tumor invasiveness and poor prognosis.
