E-cadherin complex also helps epithelial cells engulf dying cells

Researchers found that the E-cadherin complex, known for linking epithelial cells, also drives the engulfment of dying cells. Live imaging in zebrafish and mouse embryos showed the cell's lower surface wraps around dead cells while the upper surface keeps the tissue barrier intact. Failure of this cleanup may contribute to chronic inflammation.

• The four-protein E-cadherin complex both links epithelial cells and clears dying ones
• The lower cell surface deforms during engulfment while the upper surface stays intact
• Cells lacking the tethering protein could no longer swallow dead cells
• Blocking E-cadherin in mouse embryos left dying cells uncleared