Cadheriinid

Cadherins are a family of cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, and tissue morphogenesis. They are classified into three main groups based on their structure and function: classical cadherins, desmosomal cadherins, and protocadherins. Classical cadherins, such as E-cadherin, are involved in the formation of adherens junctions, which are critical for maintaining tissue integrity. Desmosomal cadherins, like desmoglein and desmocollin, are essential for the formation of desmosomes, which provide mechanical strength to tissues like the heart and skin. Protocadherins, including protocadherin-15 (PCDH15), are involved in neural development and have been implicated in various neurological disorders. Cadherins typically consist of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domain contains calcium-binding sites that mediate homophilic interactions between adjacent cells. The cytoplasmic domain interacts with the actin cytoskeleton, reinforcing cell-cell adhesion. Mutations in cadherin genes have been linked to several diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological conditions. The study of cadherins continues to be an active area of research, with ongoing efforts to understand their roles in health and disease.