Human Cadherin-1 (CDH1) Protein

Background

Cadherin 1 (CDH1), also known as E-cadherin (epithelial cadherin), is a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily responsible for cell-cell adhesion in epithelial tissues. It is a crucial member of the cadherin superfamily, a group of calcium-dependent adhesion molecules that mediate homophilic binding interactions between cells. CDH1 is indispensable for maintaining cellular architecture and tissue integrity, especially within epithelial layers, where it anchors cells to each other, forming adherens junctions that maintain cellular polarity and tissue structure. CDH1 also plays a significant role in regulating signaling pathways involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. The biological significance of CDH1 extends to tumor suppression, as its presence prevents detachment of cells from the epithelial layer, which could otherwise lead to metastasis. Loss or downregulation of CDH1 is frequently observed in various cancers, particularly in those characterized by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which epithelial cells acquire migratory and invasive properties. Therefore, CDH1 is not only integral to tissue integrity but also to preventing disease progression, especially in oncogenesis.