| Abstract: | Nectin‐like molecule 4 (Necl‐4)/CADM4, a transmembrane cell–cell adhesion molecule with three Ig‐like domains, was shown to serve as a tumor suppressor, but its mode of action has not been elucidated. In this study, we showed that Necl‐4 interacted in cis with ErbB3 through their extracellular regions, recruited PTPN13 and inhibited the heregulin‐induced activation of the ErbB2/ErbB3 signaling. In addition, we extended our previous finding that Necl‐4 interacts in cis with integrin α6β4 through their extracellular regions and found that Necl‐4 inhibited the phorbol ester‐induced disassembly of hemidesmosomes. These results indicate that Necl‐4 serves as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the ErbB2/ErbB3 signaling and hemidesmosome disassembly. |
