N Cadherins, also known as neural cadherins, are a type of cell adhesion molecule found primarily in the nervous system. They belong to the cadherin superfamily, which consists of transmembrane proteins that play a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion and tissue formation.
N Cadherins are involved in several important cellular processes, including cell sorting, cell migration, and tissue morphogenesis during embryonic development. They play a critical role in synaptic development and plasticity, where they mediate cell adhesion between pre- and postsynaptic neurons in the brain.
Structurally, N Cadherins are composed of five extracellular cadherin domains, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. These molecules facilitate cell adhesion by homophilic interactions, meaning they bind to other N Cadherins on adjacent cells. The extracellular cadherin domains provide the adhesive properties, while the cytoplasmic tail interacts with intracellular proteins to anchor the cadherins to the cytoskeleton.
N Cadherins play a vital role in nervous system function by maintaining the integrity of neural circuits, promoting synapse formation, and regulating neuronal activity. In addition, they are involved in neurodevelopmental processes such as axon guidance and dendrite branching.
Abnormalities in N Cadherins have been associated with various neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Dysregulation of N Cadherins can lead to disturbances in synaptic connectivity and impairments in learning and memory processes.
In summary, N Cadherins are neural cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in the development and function of the nervous system. Their involvement in cell adhesion, synaptic formation, and neuronal plasticity makes them essential for
