kadheriinien
Kadherins are a family of cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, and tissue morphogenesis. They are classified into three main subfamilies: classical cadherins, protocadherins, and desmosomal cadherins. Classical cadherins, such as E-cadherin, are involved in the formation of adherens junctions, which are critical for tissue integrity and organization. Protocadherins, on the other hand, are involved in cell-cell recognition and signaling, and desmosomal cadherins, like desmoglein and desmocollin, are essential for the formation of desmosomes, which provide mechanical strength to tissues like the heart and skin. Mutations in kadherins have been linked to several diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders. The study of kadherins continues to be an active area of research, with ongoing efforts to understand their roles in health and disease.