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Nectins and nectin-like molecules in development and disease.
Kenji Mandai1, Yoshiyuki Rikitake2, Masahiro Mori3
1Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kobe, Japan.
Current Topics in Developmental Biology
|March 4, 2015
Summary
Nectins and nectin-like molecules are crucial cell adhesion proteins involved in development and disease. This review highlights their roles in organogenesis, neural development, and various pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nectins and nectin-like molecules (Necls)/Cadherins are Ca(2+)-independent immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules.
- Unlike classic cadherins, nectins mediate both homotypic and heterotypic cell-cell adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in nectin and Necl research.
- To summarize their roles in development and pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nectin and Necl research.
Main Results:
- Nectins and Necls are essential for organogenesis (eye, ear, tooth, brain) and developmental processes (spermatogenesis, axon guidance, synapse formation, myelination).
- These molecules are implicated in diseases including viral infections, ectodermal dysplasia, Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, and cancer.
Conclusions:
- Nectins and Necls play critical roles in both normal physiology and disease pathogenesis.
- Further research into these cell adhesion molecules is vital for understanding development and disease.
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