Cadheriniperheen

Cadheriniperheen, also known as cadherin superfamily, is a group of cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, and tissue morphogenesis. These proteins are characterized by their extracellular cadherin domains, which mediate homophilic interactions between adjacent cells. The cadherin superfamily includes several subfamilies, such as classical cadherins, protocadherins, and VE-cadherin.

Classical cadherins are the most well-studied members of the cadherin superfamily. They are primarily involved in the formation of adherens junctions, which are critical for maintaining tissue integrity and regulating cell polarity. Classical cadherins are further classified into type I and type II cadherins, based on their intracellular domains. Type I cadherins, such as E-cadherin, are associated with the actin cytoskeleton, while type II cadherins, like N-cadherin, are linked to the catenin complex.

Protocadherins are another subfamily of cadherins that lack the classical cadherin domains. Instead, they possess protocadherin domains, which are involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Protocadherins are expressed in various tissues and are implicated in processes such as axon guidance and synaptic plasticity.

VE-cadherin is a unique member of the cadherin superfamily that is specifically expressed in endothelial cells. It plays a vital role in the formation of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) junctions, which are essential for maintaining vascular permeability and regulating blood flow. VE-cadherin is also involved in the regulation of endothelial cell proliferation and migration.

The cadherin superfamily is a diverse and essential group of proteins that contribute to various biological processes. Understanding the structure, function, and regulation of cadherins is crucial for advancing our knowledge of cell adhesion, tissue development, and disease pathogenesis.