Spatial and temporal control of cell survival, cell proliferation, and cell migration is key to proper embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, and various repair processes. To execute these developmental programs, individual cells must sense their relationship to other cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) and convert these positional cues into biochemical signals affecting the cytoskeleton and the cell cycle and apoptotic machineries. The adhesion receptors integrins and cadherins are key players in this signaling network. We are studying the mechanisms by which these receptors control cell fate and their dysregulation in cancer and other diseases.
