Cadherin Peptide, avian, (C44H75N17O13), a peptide with the sequence Leu-Arg-Ala-His-Ala-Val-Asp-Val-Asn-Gly-NH2, MW= 1050.2. Cadherins (named for "calcium-dependent adhesion") are a class of type-1 transmembrane proteins. They play important roles in cell adhesion, ensuring that cells within tissues are bound together. They are dependent on calcium (Ca2+) ions to function. Cadherins are synthesized as polypeptides and undergo many post-translational modifications to become the proteins which mediate cell-cell adhesion and recognition. Cadherins behave as both receptors and ligands. During development, their behavior assists in properly positioning cells - they are responsible for the separation of the different tissue layers, and for cellular migration. In the very early stages of development, E-cadherin (epithelial cadherin) is most greatly expressed. During the next stage, the development of the neuronal plate, N-cadherin (neural cadherin) is expressed and there is a decrease in E-cadherin. Finally, during the development of the notochord and the condensation of somites, E- P- and N-cadherin expression increases. After development, cadherins play a role in maintaining cell and tissue structure, and in cellular movement.
References:
1. Harris, Tony J.C., and Ulrich Tepass. "Adherins Junctions: From Molecules to Morphogenesis" Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. 502-514. July 2010
2. Tepass, Ulrich, et al. "Cadherins in Embryonic and Neural Morphogenisis" Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. November 2000.
3. Tepass, Ulrich, et al. "Cadherins in Embryonic and Neural Morphogenisis" Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. November 2000.