Pkadheriinijärjestelmä

Pkadheriinijärjestelmä refers to a group of cell adhesion molecules, specifically cadherins, and their associated intracellular proteins. Cadherins are a superfamily of transmembrane proteins that play a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion, mediating homophilic binding, meaning cadherin molecules on one cell bind to the same type of cadherin molecule on an adjacent cell. This process is calcium-dependent, hence the name "cadherin."

The primary function of the Pkadheriinijärjestelmä is to establish and maintain the integrity of tissues by forming adherens junctions. These junctions are important for various biological processes, including embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and immune cell trafficking. The intracellular domain of cadherins is linked to the actin cytoskeleton through a complex of proteins, including catenins (alpha-catenin, beta-catenin, and p120-catenin). This linkage allows cadherins to not only mediate adhesion but also to transmit signals into the cell, influencing gene expression and cell behavior.

Dysregulation of cadherin function and the Pkadheriinijärjestelmä has been implicated in various diseases, particularly cancer. Loss of E-cadherin, a prominent member of the cadherin family, is a hallmark of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Conversely, aberrant expression of other cadherins can also contribute to tumor progression. Research into the Pkadheriinijärjestelmä continues to unravel its complex roles in normal physiology and disease.