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. 2007 Oct 30;98(2):256–262. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604002

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Copyright © 2008 Cancer Research UK

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Merlin and the Ezrin, Radixin, and Moesin (ERM) proteins as regulators of cellular interfaces. In multicellular organisms, a regulated instability of specific intercellular contacts is required during morphogenesis and tissue regeneration. While normally localised in the apical domain of stable epithelia (right), the ERM protein Ezrin can also be found within dynamic cell:cell contacts (left), where Merlin also localises. As contacts stabilise to form mature epithelia, this temporary intermixing of Merlin and Ezrin at membrane surfaces is resolved upon their partitioning into junctional and apical domains, respectively (right). Given the prominent role of the ERM proteins in maintaining organised apical surfaces (ie plasma membrane domains devoid of intercellular contacts), and that of Merlin in stabilising cell:cell contacts, localised intermixing could counteract the function of each, promoting a dynamic state of intercellular adhesion. Ezrin, blue; Merlin, red.