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Related Concept Videos

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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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...
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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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Desmosomes01:05

Desmosomes

The term desmosome derives from the Greek words "desmo" and "soma" meaning "adhesion bodies." This structure was first observed during the late 1800s and described as small, dense nodules in the epidermis. Desmosomes are button-like structures that help form an interlinked network of intermediate filaments across the cells. These junctions are  essential to hold cells together under mechanical stress and to maintain tissue integrity. Desmosomes are multi-protein complexes comprising desmosomal...
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Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
08:15

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Published on: October 17, 2014

Clustered protocadherins and neuronal diversity.

Teruyoshi Hirayama1, Takeshi Yagi

  • 1KOKORO Biology Group and JST-CREST, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan.

Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
|March 14, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) generate vast diversity in neuronal identity through combinatorial expression of ~60 isoforms. This molecular mechanism is crucial for brain function and neuronal development.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Neuronal diversity is essential for complex neural networks and overall brain function.
  • The clustered protocadherin (Pcdh) gene family plays a significant role in establishing neuronal identity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal diversity.
  • To highlight the role of clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) in neuronal development and function.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of clustered Pcdh gene expression patterns in the central nervous system.
  • Investigation of Pcdh isoform combinatorial regulation and heteromultimeric complex formation.
  • Examination of Pcdh function in neurites, growth cones, and synapses.

Main Results:

  • Clustered Pcdhs comprise approximately 60 isoforms, predominantly expressed in the central nervous system.
  • Neuronal expression of Pcdhs is regulated stochastically and combinatorially, generating substantial molecular diversity.
  • Pcdh isoforms form heteromultimeric complexes with homophilic adhesion properties, potentially creating over 3x10^10 variations per neuron.

Conclusions:

  • The clustered Pcdh system provides a molecular basis for generating extensive neuronal diversity.
  • This diversity is critical for normal neuronal development and the establishment of functional neural circuits.
  • Clustered Pcdh genes represent a significant area for epigenetic regulation research.