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Potential Therapeutic Applications of N-Cadherin Antagonists and Agonists

Orest W Blaschuk1

  • 1Zonula Incorporated, Kirkland, QC, Canada.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|March 21, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Neural (N)-cadherin (CDH2) is a cell adhesion molecule that plays a role in intercellular adhesion and signaling. Modulators of N-cadherin show promise for treating fibrotic diseases, cancer, and in tissue regeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Neural (N)-cadherin (CDH2) is a crucial cell adhesion molecule involved in intercellular adhesion.
  • Its role extends to regulating intracellular signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular basis of N-cadherin-mediated adhesion.
  • To discuss intracellular signaling pathways regulated by N-cadherin.
  • To explore therapeutic applications of N-cadherin modulators.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of N-cadherin function.
  • Analysis of N-cadherin antagonists and agonists.
  • Examination of therapeutic potential and biomaterial applications.

Main Results:

  • N-cadherin antagonists are useful in treating fibrotic diseases and cancer.
  • N-cadherin modulators can be used to manipulate vascular function.
  • Biomaterials incorporating N-cadherin modulators are relevant for tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:

  • N-cadherin modulators, including antagonists and agonists, have broad therapeutic potential for various diseases.
  • Targeting N-cadherin offers promising avenues for treating fibrotic diseases, cancer, and enhancing tissue regeneration.
Keywords:
ADH-1N-cadherinadherens junctionsbiomaterialscancerfibrosistissue regenerationvasculature

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