Cadherins are transmembrane proteins primarily responsible for mediating cell-cell adhesion in animals. These proteins are vital for tissue development and maintenance.
Core Functions of Cadherins
According to the provided reference, cadherins have several crucial functions:
- Cell-Cell Adhesion: Cadherins facilitate the binding of cells to each other, forming structures and maintaining tissue integrity. They act as "molecular velcro," holding cells together.
- Tissue Morphogenesis: During embryonic development, cadherins play a pivotal role in shaping tissues and organs. Their ability to regulate cell contact is essential for the complex cell movements involved in morphogenesis.
- Tissue Homeostasis: Cadherins help in maintaining the stable structure of tissues. This function is important for long-term tissue stability and functionality. By regulating contact formation and stability, cadherins ensures cells are in the correct places.
Breakdown of Cadherin Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Cell Adhesion | Binds cells together, enabling formation of cohesive tissues. |
| Morphogenesis | Guides cell movements and tissue organization during development. |
| Tissue Homeostasis | Maintains stable tissue architecture by regulating cell interactions and connections. |
Practical Insights
- Development: Cadherins are vital for the development of many structures. They participate in processes like neural tube formation and the formation of epithelia.
- Cancer: Malfunctions in cadherin expression are linked to cancer metastasis, where cells lose their adhesion properties and spread to other parts of the body.
- Therapeutic Applications: Research into cadherin function is paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions for several diseases, from developmental disorders to cancer.
How Cadherins Work
Cadherins achieve their function by:
- Transmembrane proteins: Anchored in cell membrane and projecting both inside and outside.
- Extracellular binding: Binding to cadherins on adjacent cells.
- Intracellular anchors: Linked to the cytoskeleton through protein complexes inside the cell.
