Mouse Cadherin, Neuronal (CDH2) Protein

Background

Cadherin 2 (CDH2), also known as N-cadherin (neural cadherin), is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule that belongs to the classical cadherin family. This protein is primarily expressed in neural tissue, muscle, and endothelial cells, facilitating cell-cell adhesion that is crucial for the organization and stability of various tissues, particularly during development. CDH2 mediates homophilic cell adhesion by binding to other N-cadherin molecules on neighboring cells, helping establish stable cellular contacts necessary for tissue integrity and function. Unlike CDH1, which is primarily expressed in epithelial cells, CDH2 is prevalent in mesenchymal and neural cell types and is integral to processes like embryogenesis, neural development, and wound healing. N-cadherin’s role extends beyond basic cell adhesion, as it is actively involved in signaling pathways that regulate cell migration, differentiation, and survival. In particular, CDH2 is essential during the development of the nervous system, heart, and vasculature, contributing to the morphogenesis of organs and the maintenance of neuronal connections. Additionally, CDH2 expression has significant implications in cancer progression and metastasis, particularly through the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), where it replaces CDH1 as cells transition to a more migratory, invasive phenotype. This behavior makes CDH2 a critical molecule not only in normal development but also in disease progression.