The extraordinarily diverse structures of the cadherin superfamily members have adapted to perform a vast array of functions. This superfamily is frequently manifested as cell adhesion molecules, but their role goes far beyond this, involving cell adhesion, cell-cell recognition, cyto­skeletal organization, signal transduction and growth con­trol. Most cadherin superfamily proteins are expressed in the CNS, as this highly sophisticated system can be deter­mined by the diversification and interaction of molecules including the cadherin superfamily. Their important role in establishing and maintaining neuronal connections guides our interest in getting inside their participation in the molecular mechanisms for building and regulating the neuronal network in the brain.