P CADHERIN Meaning and
Definition
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P Cadherin, also known as Placental Cadherin or Cadherin 3 (CDH3), is a transmembrane protein that belongs to the cadherin superfamily. It is primarily found in epithelial tissues throughout the body, including the placenta, pancreas, kidney, and liver.
P Cadherin is crucial for cell-cell adhesion, maintaining tissue integrity, and regulating cell migration and differentiation during embryogenesis and in adult tissues. It plays a key role in various physiological processes such as morphogenesis, development, and tissue homeostasis.
The protein consists of several distinct domains, including a highly conserved extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain that interacts with cytoskeletal components and signaling molecules. The extracellular domain allows P Cadherin to form calcium-dependent homotypic interactions with other cadherin molecules on adjacent cells, contributing to the formation of adherens junctions.
Alterations in P Cadherin expression or function have been associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer metastasis. Reduced or abnormal expression of P Cadherin has been observed in several cancer types, promoting tumor invasion, migration, and metastasis. In some cases, P Cadherin may act as an oncogene or tumor suppressor, depending on the cellular context and signaling pathways involved.
Understanding the role of P Cadherin in cell adhesion and signaling pathways is significant in both developmental biology and disease progression. Further research on this intriguing protein may lead to potential therapeutic targets for various diseases, including cancer, and pave the way for novel treatment strategies.
Common Misspellings for P CADHERIN
Etymology of P CADHERIN
The word "P cadherin" is derived from the combination of two components: "P" and "cadherin".
1. "P" stands for "placental". This term signifies that the specific cadherin isoform being referred to is predominantly expressed in placental tissue. It helps to distinguish P cadherin from other cadherin isoforms found in different tissues.
2. "Cadherin" is a general term used for a large family of transmembrane proteins that play a significant role in facilitating cell-cell adhesion in various tissues. They are named "cadherins" due to their involvement in calcium-dependent adhesion.
Hence, the term "P cadherin" specifically refers to the type of cadherin predominantly found in placental tissues.
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