Cadherinien

Cadherins are a large family of transmembrane glycoproteins that play a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion. They are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of tissues and are involved in a wide range of developmental processes, including embryogenesis, tissue morphogenesis, and wound healing. Cadherins function by forming homophilic interactions, meaning that cadherin molecules on one cell bind to cadherin molecules of the same type on an adjacent cell. This binding is calcium-dependent, hence the name "cadherin."

The intracellular domain of cadherins is linked to the actin cytoskeleton through a complex of adapter proteins, including catenins. This linkage allows cadherins to transmit mechanical forces and signaling pathways between the cell surface and the cytoplasm. Different types of cadherins exist, and their expression patterns are often tissue-specific, reflecting their diverse roles in cell adhesion and signaling. For example, E-cadherin is prominently expressed in epithelial tissues, while N-cadherin is found in neuronal and muscle tissues.

Dysregulation of cadherin function is implicated in various diseases, most notably cancer. Loss of E-cadherin, for instance, is a hallmark of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that promotes tumor invasion and metastasis. Conversely, the aberrant expression of certain cadherins can also contribute to disease progression. Research into cadherins continues to uncover their complex roles in normal physiology and disease, offering potential therapeutic targets for a range of conditions.