Ncadherinin

Ncadherin is a classical cadherin protein that plays a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion. It is a transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates calcium-dependent cell adhesion and is involved in the formation and maintenance of tissues. Ncadherin is a member of the cadherin superfamily, a group of proteins that are essential for the development and function of multicellular organisms.

The structure of Ncadherin consists of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain is responsible for binding to other Ncadherin molecules on adjacent cells, forming homophilic interactions. This binding is dependent on the presence of calcium ions. The intracellular domain interacts with the actin cytoskeleton through a complex of proteins called catenins, which links Ncadherin to the cell's structural framework.

Ncadherin is widely expressed in various tissues, including the nervous system, heart, and epithelium. Its expression levels can change during development and in response to different physiological and pathological conditions. For instance, alterations in Ncadherin expression and function have been implicated in cancer progression, particularly in processes like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to tumor invasion and metastasis.

In the nervous system, Ncadherin is important for neuronal development, synapse formation, and the maintenance of neural circuits. It contributes to the organization of neuronal networks and the proper functioning of the brain. Research continues to explore the diverse roles of Ncadherin in normal biological processes and its involvement in various diseases, highlighting its significance as a key mediator of cell adhesion.