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Related Concept Videos

Structure of Cadherins01:25

Structure of Cadherins

The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins”   is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This diversity of cadherins...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization01:19

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
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Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
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Adherens Junctions

Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types –  adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as  epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as  heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
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Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
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Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions01:20

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Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
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Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
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Published on: October 17, 2014

Clustered protocadherin family.

Takeshi Yagi1

  • 1KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. yagi@fbs.osaka-u.ac.jp

Development, Growth & Differentiation
|April 24, 2008
PubMed
Summary

The clustered protocadherin (Pcdh) family, particularly Pcdh-alpha and Pcdh-gamma, generates cellular diversity in the brain through unique gene expression and protein structures. These molecules are crucial for forming complex neural circuitry.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Brain structure and function vary across vertebrates, necessitating the identification of molecules driving neural diversity and organization.
  • The clustered protocadherin (Pcdh) family, the largest cadherin subgroup, is primarily expressed in the brain and exhibits diversified gene structures in vertebrates.
  • Mammalian clustered Pcdhs include Pcdh-alpha, Pcdh-beta, and Pcdh-gamma, with expression patterns changing during brain development and persisting in specific regions into adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying brain structure and function by focusing on the clustered Pcdh family.
  • To elucidate the structural and functional characteristics of Pcdh proteins that contribute to neural diversity.
  • To understand the gene regulation and protein interactions of clustered Pcdhs.

Main Methods:

  • Structural analysis of the Pcdh-alpha protein's first cadherin domain.
  • Investigation of Pcdh-alpha binding to beta1-integrin via an RGD motif.
  • Analysis of clustered Pcdh gene expression regulation, including promoters and alternative cis splicing.
  • Single-cell analysis of Pcdh-alpha and Pcdh-gamma mRNA regulation (monoallelic expression).
  • Examination of Pcdh-alpha and Pcdh-gamma protein oligomerization.

Main Results:

  • Pcdh-alpha's first cadherin domain possesses Pcdh-specific loop structures, differing from classical cadherins, and binds beta1-integrin through an RGD motif.
  • Clustered Pcdh gene clusters are regulated by multiple promoters and alternative cis splicing.
  • Monoallelic regulation of dozens of Pcdh-alpha and Pcdh-gamma mRNAs per cell leads to combinatorial variable exon expression.
  • Pcdh-alpha and Pcdh-gamma proteins form oligomers, enhancing cell surface molecular diversity.

Conclusions:

  • The unique structural and regulatory features of the clustered Pcdh family provide a molecular basis for generating individual cellular diversity.
  • Combinatorial expression of Pcdh variable exons and protein oligomerization contribute to the complexity of neural circuitry.
  • The Pcdh family plays a critical role in establishing the intricate neural organization of the brain.