Cadherin1

Cadherin1, also known as E-cadherin, is a type I transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion and tissue morphogenesis. It is encoded by the CDH1 gene and is a member of the cadherin superfamily, which includes other adhesion molecules like N-cadherin and P-cadherin. E-cadherin is primarily expressed in epithelial cells and is essential for maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues.

The E-cadherin protein consists of an extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domain is involved in homophilic interactions with other E-cadherin molecules on adjacent cells, forming adherens junctions. The cytoplasmic domain contains several binding sites for scaffolding proteins, including β-catenin, α-catenin, and p120 catenin, which link E-cadherin to the actin cytoskeleton and regulate cell adhesion.

E-cadherin is a key regulator of cell polarity and migration. Its loss or dysfunction can lead to various pathological conditions, including cancer. In cancer cells, E-cadherin is often downregulated, leading to reduced cell-cell adhesion and increased cell motility. This process, known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is a hallmark of cancer progression and metastasis.

The CDH1 gene is located on chromosome 16q22.1 and spans approximately 100 kilobases. Mutations in the CDH1 gene have been associated with several genetic disorders, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. In FAP, mutations in the CDH1 gene lead to the development of adenomatous polyps in the colon, which can progress to colorectal cancer.

In summary, Cadherin1, or E-cadherin, is a critical protein involved in cell-cell adhesion and tissue morphogenesis. Its dysregulation is linked to various pathological conditions, including cancer. The CDH1 gene, which encodes E-cadherin, is a target of genetic mutations in several inherited disorders.