N cadherin is one member of the cadherin superfamily. It like other classes of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs and FAKs) is responsible for cell-cell adhesion ... specifically during early morphogenesis. · N cadherin is the designated cell adhesion molecule for neural tissue. It, in concert with several signal transduction pathways, allows an early neurite to follow chemical and adhesive gradients from its origin to its destination. N cadherin can only operate as an affector of neurite or growth cone guidance when in complex. As a mediator of information from the outside environment to the inside cytoskeleton, N cadherin must rely on cooperation with PTPµ ( a protein tyrosine phosphatase), ~ and a catenin to make firm connection with actin. With that connection established, an early growth cone can make decisions based on chemical and adhesive cues. Movement of the growth cone, as a function of adhesion or "homophilic binding," is termed "haptotaxis." Intracellular concentrations of catenin pools and the activity of two pathways (Src and Wnt) regulate the entire system. Based on studies and experimental data, a model, with respect to complex orientation and behavior is proposed.