Decadherin is a term derived from combining two words: "decade" and "adherin." In biology, it refers to a class of cell adhesion molecules that play an essential role in cell-cell communication and tissue organization. Specifically, decadherin is a type of transmembrane protein that belongs to the cadherin family.
Cadherins are crucial for maintaining the integrity and stability of tissues by mediating cell-cell adhesion. Decadherin, in particular, is known for its involvement in the formation and maintenance of epithelial tissues, which constitute the cellular lining of various organs and body cavities. It functions by mediating the adhesion between adjacent cells, ensuring proper tissue structure and preventing cell detachment.
Decadherin is also implicated in a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is crucial during embryonic development and tissue regeneration. EMT is a dynamic cellular process where epithelial cells lose their characteristics and transform into mesenchymal cells, acquiring migratory and invasive properties. Decadherin participates in regulating this transition, enabling the cells to detach from their neighbors and acquire the ability to migrate.
Additionally, aberrant expression or dysregulation of decadherin has been associated with various developmental disorders, tissue malformations, and diseases. For example, altered decadherin expression has been observed in certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, and ovarian cancer, where it contributes to tumor progression and metastasis.
In summary, decadherin is a transmembrane protein belonging to the cadherin family, essential for cell-cell adhesion and tissue organization. It is involved in the formation and maintenance of epithelial tissues, as well as in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
