Stains & molecular markers
Cadherins
Copyright: 2003-2021, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: cadherins[title]
Cadherins
Author: Nat Pernick, M.D.
Topic Completed: 1 October 2013
Minor changes: 11 December 2020
Copyright: 2003-2021, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: cadherins[title]
Table of Contents
Definition / generalCite this page: Pernick N. Cadherins. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/stainscadherins.html. Accessed January 20th, 2021.
Definition / general
- See also E-cadherin, N-cadherin
- Molecules that establish links between adjacent cells by forming zipper like structures at adherens junctions
- Linked to cytoskeleton via catenins (cadherin to beta catenin, beta catenin to alpha catenin, alpha catenin to actin) to stabilize adherens junction
- Homophilic interactions (like-like) causes clustering of embryonic cells with others from same tissue
- Loss of cadherins may be first step in giving cells invasive properties
