VE-cadherin complex plasticity: EPS8 and YAP play relay at adherens junctions.

The vascular endothelium is a selective barrier that separates the organs from the circulating blood. The endothelium has a wide variety of functions controlled by cell-to-cell junctions and in particular by Vascular Endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) complexes. Recent research identified the epidermal growth factor receptor kinase substrate 8 (EPS8) and the co-transcriptional regulator yes-associated protein (YAP) as new components of the adherens junction complexes. The binding of these 2 proteins to VE-cadherin determines the formation of different specialized adhesive structures contributing to the dynamic control of vascular permeability. This commentary will summarize what is currently known about the role of EPS8 and YAP in the modification of molecular organization and intracellular signaling of adherens junction complexes, and their potential multiple effects on vascular homeostasis.