P CADHERINS Meaning and
Definition
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P cadherins, also known as protocadherins, are a family of cell adhesion proteins that play a crucial role in cell-cell interactions and tissue development. They are a subgroup of the cadherin superfamily and are predominantly expressed in the nervous system.
P cadherins are transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate calcium-dependent cell adhesion. They consist of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain contains multiple cadherin repeats, which facilitate homophilic binding with other P cadherins on adjacent cells. This binding forms adherens junctions, promoting cell adhesion and maintaining tissue integrity.
These proteins are highly diverse, with over 50 members in mammals. Through alternative splicing and variable exon usage, cadherin diversity is achieved, allowing for intricate cell recognition and specificity. This diversity is crucial for neuronal development and synaptic specificity in the nervous system.
P cadherins play important roles in various biological processes such as neuronal migration, axon guidance, and synapse formation. They are involved in establishing and maintaining neuronal circuits and contribute to the structural organization of the brain. In addition, P cadherins are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting their significance in brain function and pathology.
Overall, P cadherins are essential cell adhesion molecules that regulate tissue formation and proper functioning of the nervous system. Their diverse expression and functional roles contribute to the intricate network of cell-cell interactions necessary for normal development and function of various tissues, particularly the brain.
Common Misspellings for P CADHERINS
- 0 cadherins
- p xadherins
- p vadherins
- p fadherins
- p dadherins
- p czdherins
- p csdherins
- p cwdherins
- p cqdherins
- p casherins
- p caxherins
- p cacherins
- p cafherins
- p carherins
- p caeherins
- p cadgerins
- p cadberins
- p cadnerins
- p cadjerins
- p caduerins
Etymology of P CADHERINS
The term "P Cadherins" refers to a specific type of cadherins, which are a type of cell adhesion molecules. The "P" in P Cadherins stands for "Placental", indicating that these particular cadherins are predominantly expressed in the placenta during embryonic development.
The etymology of the word "cadherins" itself comes from the Greek word "kathairein", which means "to adhere". The term was coined by Elizabeth Hay to describe a group of cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in cellular adhesion and tissue organization.
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