Abstract: The potential role of so called ‘cell adhesion recognition motifs’ (CARs) in cadherin adhesion has been emphasized. Due to the importance of cadherin binding in biological process, there remains a need to develop effective ways of manipulating cadherin adhesion. According to the present invention, there is provided a pair of cadherin molecules modified to enhance intermolecular adhesion (i.e. adhesion or binding between the pair of cadherin molecules) compared with corresponding unmodified cadherin molecules. Intermolecular adhesion between the cadherin molecules may be enhanced by reducing or eliminating intramolecular binding within each cadherin molecule. For example, intramolecular binding may be reduced or eliminated by diminishing or preventing intramolecular binding of an N-terminal binding strand of each cadherin molecule with a binding strand acceptor pocket of each cadherin molecule.