Background: -Catenin links transmembrane cadherin to actin filaments at cell-cell contacts. Results: Contractile activation increases the association of -catenin with N-cadherin, which is regulated by actin polymerization. Conclusion: Actin polymerization controls the recruitment of -catenin to N-cadherin, which is essential for smooth muscle contraction. Significance: The regulated interaction of -catenin with N-cadherin is a novel mechanism for the control of smooth muscle contraction.