Recent progress in T-cadherin (CDH13, H-cadherin) research

Histol Histopathol. 2001 Oct;16(4):1287-93. doi: 10.14670/HH-16.1287.

Abstract

T-cadherin is a unique cadherin cell adhesion molecule that is anchored to the cell surface membrane through a glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) moiety. The cytoplasmic domain, which T-cadherin lacks, is believed to be critical for homophilic binding through interaction with submembrane cytoskeletal proteins. Does this mean that T-cadherin is an unimportant molecule? However, the T-cadherin amino acid motif has been well conserved through evolution in vertebrates, suggesting that T-cadherin may have biological significance in higher animals. Consistent with this hypothesis, recent studies have thrown light on the relevance of T-cadherin in the fields of oncology, neurology, respirology and cardiovascular physiology. In this manuscript, we review current advances in T-cadherin research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cadherins / chemistry
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Cadherins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Nervous System / growth & development
  • Respiratory Physiological Phenomena
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • H-cadherin
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins