Updated

Researchers studying live zebrafish and mouse embryos discovered that E-cadherin, long known as the 'glue' that holds cells and tissues together, has a previously unrecognized second function: helping epithelial cells engulf nearby dead cells. The protein allows cells to dramatically reshape their lower surfaces to swallow cellular debris while keeping their upper surfaces stable, preserving the integrity of protective tissue barriers. The finding adds a new dimension to understanding how tissues clear dying cells without compromising barrier function, with potential implications for wound healing and tissue maintenance research.