Cadherins

Definition

Cadherins are a class of type-1 transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in cell adhesion, allowing cells to adhere to one another in a calcium-dependent manner. They are essential for maintaining the structure and integrity of tissues, facilitating processes like cell migration and organization during development and repair. Cadherins are also crucial for interactions with biomaterials in regenerative medicine, influencing how cells interact with implanted devices and scaffolds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cadherins are characterized by their cadherin repeats in their extracellular domain, which interact with similar proteins on adjacent cells to form strong adhesive connections.
2. They require calcium ions for their function, as the presence of calcium stabilizes the cadherin structure and promotes cell adhesion.
3. Different types of cadherins exist, such as E-cadherin (epithelial), N-cadherin (neural), and P-cadherin (placental), each playing specific roles in tissue types.
4. The expression levels of cadherins can influence cell behavior, including differentiation, proliferation, and migration, which are critical during wound healing and tissue regeneration.
5. In regenerative medicine, understanding how cadherins interact with biomaterials can guide the design of better scaffolds that promote cell adhesion and tissue integration.

Review Questions

• How do cadherins contribute to the processes of cell adhesion and migration?
  • Cadherins contribute to cell adhesion by forming strong connections between adjacent cells through their extracellular domains. This adhesion is crucial for maintaining tissue integrity during normal physiological processes. Additionally, during cell migration, changes in cadherin expression or localization can influence the movement of cells by allowing them to detach from their neighbors or re-establish connections at new locations.
• Discuss the significance of cadherins in the context of cell adhesion to biomaterials in regenerative medicine.
  • In regenerative medicine, cadherins play a pivotal role in how cells interact with biomaterials used for tissue engineering. The ability of cells to adhere to these materials is influenced by the presence of cadherins on their surface. By understanding the specific cadherin interactions with various biomaterials, researchers can design scaffolds that enhance cell attachment, proliferation, and ultimately tissue regeneration.
• Evaluate the impact of cadherin dysfunction on tissue integrity and potential therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine.
  • Dysfunction of cadherins can lead to compromised tissue integrity, contributing to various diseases such as cancer metastasis or developmental disorders. This disruption may result from altered expression levels or mutations affecting cadherin function. Therapeutic approaches could involve restoring normal cadherin function through gene therapy or developing biomaterials that mimic the natural extracellular environment, promoting healthy cell adhesion and preventing pathological conditions.

Related terms

Integrins: Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-ECM (extracellular matrix) adhesion, playing a key role in signaling and communication between the cell and its environment.

Tissue Engineering: Tissue engineering is a field that combines biology and engineering principles to develop biological substitutes that can restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.

Epithelial Cells: Epithelial cells are cells that line the surfaces of organs and structures throughout the body, playing a crucial role in protection, secretion, and absorption, and often utilize cadherins for cell-cell adhesion.