E-cadherin has long been described as the molecular glue that keeps cells and tissues intact. But a new study, reported by ScienceDaily, shows the protein has an unexpected second job: it helps epithelial cells engulf and clear away dead cells nearby.
The finding comes from experiments on live zebrafish and mouse embryos. Researchers observed that cells use E-cadherin not only for adhesion but also for this cleanup role, suggesting the protein is more versatile than previously thought.
While the report does not specify the exact molecular mechanism or the broader implications, the discovery adds a new layer to our understanding of how tissues maintain themselves. The study was published via ScienceDaily, though the original journal and authors were not named in the summary.