Cadherins
Cadherins
Cadherins (pronounced: /kæˈhɪərɪnz/) are a type of protein that allow cells to adhere to each other in a process known as cell adhesion. The term "cadherin" is derived from "Calcium-dependent adhesion". They play crucial roles in cell sorting, tissue integrity, and cell migration.
Etymology
The term "cadherin" comes from the phrase "Calcium-dependent adhesion". The name reflects the protein's dependence on calcium ions to function properly.
Function
Cadherins are integral membrane proteins that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. The cadherin protein family includes: E-cadherin, N-cadherin, P-cadherin, R-cadherin, and VE-cadherin. Each of these proteins has a unique role in cell adhesion and are named based on the tissue type where they were first identified (E for epithelial, N for neural, P for placental, R for retinal, and VE for vascular endothelial).
Related Terms
- E-cadherin: A type of cadherin found in epithelial cells.
- N-cadherin: A type of cadherin found in neural cells.
- P-cadherin: A type of cadherin found in placental cells.
- R-cadherin: A type of cadherin found in retinal cells.
- VE-cadherin: A type of cadherin found in vascular endothelial cells.
- Cell adhesion: The process by which cells interact and attach to neighbouring cells through specialised molecules of the cell surface.
- Protein: Large biomolecules, or macromolecules, consisting of one or more long chains of amino acid residues.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cadherins
- Wikipedia's article - Cadherins
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