Cadherins are calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules that mediate cell-cell binding in a homophilic manner. They
play key roles in morphogenesis and in the maintenance of orderly structures such as epithelium, and may be involved in the
metastasis and invasion of cancer. Mature cadherin proteins are composed of a large N-terminal extracellular domain, a
single membrane-spanning domain, and a small C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domain consists of 5
subdomains, each containing a cadherin motif, and appears to determine the specificity of the homophilic cell adhesion
activity of the cadherin; the amino acid sequence of the cytoplasmic domain is highly conserved among cadherins.
A new member of the cadherin family is called OB (osteoblast)-cadherin.
NCBI Summary:
This gene encodes a type II classical cadherin from the cadherin superfamily, integral membrane proteins that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. Mature cadherin proteins are composed of a large N-terminal extracellular domain, a single membrane-spanning domain, and a small, highly conserved C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Type II (atypical) cadherins are defined based on their lack of a HAV cell adhesion recognition sequence specific to type I cadherins. Expression of this particular cadherin in osteoblastic cell lines, and its upregulation during differentiation, suggests a specific function in bone development and maintenance. Two splice variants have been identified, one of which encodes an isoform with a truncated cytoplasmic domain.
General function
Cell adhesion molecule
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Cellular localization
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Ovarian function
Follicle development
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Expression regulated by
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Ovarian localization
Stromal cells, Surface epithelium
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Machell NH, et al 2002 reported the expression and localization of P-, K-, and OB-cadherin in the
prepubertal rat ovary.
Classical and atypical cadherins mediate calcium-dependent cell adhesion and play
an important role in morphogenetic processes. In this study, RT-PCR and immunostaining techniques showed that three
cadherins are expressed throughout prepubertal ovarian development in the rat:
one classical (P-) cadherin, and two atypical (K- and OB-) cadherins. RT-PCR
analysis of isolated ovarian tissue compartments (granulosa cells and the residual
ovarian tissue) agreed with the immunostaining results. Immunostaining showed P-
and K-cadherin expression by granulosa, as well as thecal/interstitial cells, and also
in oocytes of primordial follicles. P-cadherin expression was absent in oocytes of
follicles in later stages of development compared to K-cadherin, which was found in
oocytes at all stages of folliculogenesis. P-, K-, and OB-cadherin were expressed by
the ovarian surface epithelial cells of neonatal animals but only P- and OB-cadherin
expression were maintained in these cells in 25 day-old animals. Cellular
OB-cadherin staining was absent in follicles at all stages of development and its
expression was restricted to the ovarian hilar region and portions of the stroma. In
summary, cadherin expression and distribution profiles changed during ovarian
growth and folliculogenesis suggesting a role for cadherins in organizational and
morphogenetic processes within the developing rat ovary.