Cell Adhesion Associated, Oncogene Regulated (CDON) Antibody

Background

CDON (Cell adhesion molecule-related/downregulated by oncogenes) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that functions as a co-receptor for the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, playing a critical role in embryonic development, cell differentiation, and tissue patterning. CDON is widely expressed in developing tissues and mediates cell-cell interactions necessary for proper neural, muscular, and skeletal development. It interacts with Hedgehog ligands and other cell adhesion molecules to facilitate signaling and influence cellular proliferation and migration. Mutations or loss of CDON function have been linked to developmental defects such as holoprosencephaly, a condition characterized by incomplete brain and craniofacial development. CDON has also been implicated in cancer, where its dysregulation can either promote or inhibit tumor progression depending on the context. It contains extracellular Ig-like domains and fibronectin type III repeats essential for ligand binding and signaling, as well as intracellular domains that engage cytoplasmic effectors. Research suggests that CDON acts as a tumor suppressor in certain cancers, making it a potential therapeutic target in oncology.