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Related Concept Videos

Cadherins in Tissue Organization01:19

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

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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 Cadherins01:25

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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...
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Catenins01:23

Catenins

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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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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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The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
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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...
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Cracking the cadherin codes that wire the nervous system.

Madison T Gray1, Julie L Lefebvre2

  • 1Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 1100 Rue Sanguinet, Montreal, QC, H2X 1P1, Canada.

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Summary

Cell adhesion molecules, like Cadherins, are crucial for precise neural connections. This study explores how these molecules guide synapse specificity and neural circuit organization.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Precise neural connectivity is vital for brain function.
  • Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) provide cues for synapse specificity.
  • Mechanisms by which CAMs organize neural circuits remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of the Cadherin superfamily in neural circuit assembly.
  • To discuss recent findings on classical cadherins and clustered protocadherins in synapse specificity.
  • To highlight how Cadherins regulate synaptic partnerships and neurite wiring.

Main Methods:

  • Transcriptomics
  • Genetic manipulations
  • Neural tracing and imaging in intact nervous systems

Main Results:

  • Cadherins play instructive roles in regulating synaptic partnerships.
  • Classical cadherins and clustered protocadherins optimize neurite wiring.
  • Studies demonstrate Cadherins' role in synaptic connectivity through genetic assays.

Conclusions:

  • A 'Cadherin code' is leveraged by neurons for specifying neural connectivity.
  • Understanding Cadherin function provides insights into broader principles of circuit assembly.
  • Cadherins are key regulators of synapse specificity and neural circuit organization.