How Do You Spell CADHERINS?

Pronunciation: [kˈadhəɹˌɪnz] (IPA)

Cadherins are a class of transmembrane proteins used in cell-cell adhesion. The spelling of this word follows the standard English spelling rules, using the letter "c" to represent the /k/ sound and the letter "a" to represent the /æ/ sound. The letter "d" is used to represent the /d/ sound, "h" to represent the /h/ sound, and "e" to represent the /ɛ/ sound. The final "r" and "i" in "Cadherins" represent the /ɹ/ and /ɪ/ sounds respectively, bringing the word to a total of three syllables.

CADHERINS Meaning and Definition

1. Cadherins are a group of cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in mediating cell-cell interactions in various tissues throughout the body. They are a type of transmembrane protein that extends across the plasma membrane of cells and function as anchors to hold adjacent cells together.

   These proteins are characterized by their calcium-dependent binding properties, which enable them to form strong interactions between cells. Cadherins attach to similar molecules on adjacent cells, creating what is known as cell adhesion complexes. This allows cells to form stable connections, forming a tight and cohesive tissue structure.

   Cadherins are essential for a range of biological processes, including embryonic development, tissue formation, and maintenance of tissue integrity. They are particularly important in determining cell polarity and organization during the development of various organs, such as the brain, skin, and heart.

   There are several types of cadherins, each contributing to different functional properties. For example, E-cadherin plays a key role in epithelial cell adhesion and maintenance of epithelial tissue integrity. N-cadherin is prevalent in neuronal tissues and contributes to neuronal development and synaptic plasticity.

   The dysregulation or malfunctioning of cadherins can lead to various diseases and conditions. Alterations in cadherin expression or function have been associated with cancer metastasis, tissue disorganization, and developmental abnormalities. Therefore, understanding the biology and function of cadherins is crucial for advancing our knowledge of cell-cell interactions and how disruptions in these interactions contribute to disease pathologies.

Common Misspellings for CADHERINS

• cadheeins

Etymology of CADHERINS

The word "Cadherins" is derived from the longer term "calcium-dependent adhesion molecules". It combines the first syllables of "calcium-dependent" and "adhesion" to create the word "Cadherins". Cadherins are a family of cell adhesion proteins that play a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of tissues. The naming of Cadherins reflects their primary function of mediating calcium-dependent adhesive interactions between cells.