Republic of the Philippines

North Eastern Mindanao State University

Surigao del Sur
Lianga Campus

CADHERINS FOR C

Prepared by: Kemberlly H. Batulan

Noted By: Mrs. Bebelyn G. Baluat
CADHERINS FOR CELL ADHESION

Introduction:
Cadherins are a family of cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in the
process of cell adhesion. They are transmembrane proteins that are responsible for the
attachment of cells to each other and the formation of tissue structures in multicellular
organisms. Cell adhesion is a fundamental process in biology that allows cells to bind to
each other and establish stable connections. This is essential for the development,
maintenance, and function of tissues and organs. Cadherins are key players in this
process, as they mediate the calcium-dependent adhesion between cells.
The structure of cadherins consists of extracellular domains, a transmembrane
domain, and intracellular domains. The extracellular domains of cadherins interact with
the extracellular domains of cadherins on neighboring cells, forming adhesive contacts.
The intracellular domains of cadherins are linked to the cell's cytoskeleton, providing
stability and strength to the adhesion. Cadherins exhibit specificity in their binding,
meaning that different types of cadherins preferentially bind to each other. This
specificity contributes to the organization and sorting of cells during development and
tissue formation. Additionally, cadherins can undergo dynamic changes in their
adhesive strength, allowing cells to modulate their interactions with neighboring cells.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the role of cadherins in mediating cell adhesion and the formation of
tissue structures in multicellular organisms.
2. Explore the specificity of cadherin binding and its implications in cell sorting,
tissue development, and maintenance.
3. Investigate the impact of cadherin dysfunction on disease conditions, such as
cancer, developmental disorders, and tissue disintegration, and explore potential
therapeutic strategies targeting cadherins.

Activity: Test your stock knowledge!

Direction: Answer each statement with "True" if the statement is correct or "False" if the
statement is incorrect.
1. Cadherins are transmembrane proteins responsible for cell adhesion.
2. Cadherins mediate calcium-independent adhesion between cells.
3. The extracellular domains of cadherins interact with the intracellular domains of
neighboring cells.
4. Cadherins exhibit specificity in their binding, meaning that different types of
cadherins preferentially bind to each other.
5. Dysregulation of cadherin function has no implications in disease conditions.

Abstraction:
Importance of Cadherins for cell- cell adhesion
The calcium dependent cell adhesion molecules cadherins are usually 700-750
amino acids long. They are utilized in both desmosomes and adherends junctions to
form protein complexes for cell-cell attachment.
 In desmosome complexes, a bridge formed between the cadherins of each cell
through homophilic.
This particular protein complex provides a strong adhesion useful for provide
mechanical strength.
 Adherends junctions, cadherins interact with actin filaments through intermediate
anchor proteins called catenin’s. This type of cell-cell adhesion is common in
epithelial and endothelial tissues.
 Calcium has a pivotal role in cadherin functional activity by maintaining the rigid
structure required for binding.

Cell-cell Recognition and Cell-cell Adhesion

Cell-cell recognition is an important part of the mechanism behind cell-cell
adhesion. An early study noted the affinity found in cell adhesion molecules through the
observation that cells from two same tissue preferentially adhere to one another.
Selectins and Cell-cell Adhesion
Selectins are another type of calcium- dependent cell adhesion molecules that
allow Self-cell interactions blood platelets and Different type of selectin are utilized for
white blood cells, blood platelets and endothelial cells.
 The cell-cell adhesions within the bloodstream are formed through the selectin
binding to a specific oligosaccharide on the adjacent cell.
 This cell-cell interaction between white blood cells and endothelial cells is
strengthened by integrin's, another cell adhesion molecule.
 The combination of selections and integrin's provides the weak adhesion that
allows white blood cells to roll along the surface of the blood vessel.

Signal transduction
Is the process of transferring a signal throughout an organism. Especially across
or through a cell. Signal transduction relies on proteins known as receptors, which wait
for a chemical, physical, or electrical signal.
Chemical signals
are called ligands, and can be produced by organisms to control their body or received
from the environment.
Regardless of which type of signal, it must be transferred throughout the body and
across cell membranes. This process is known as signal transduction.
Receptor proteins are specialized by the type of cell they are attached to. Each type of
cell receives different signals from the body and environment, and must be specialized
so that the body can produce a specific and coordinated response.

Evaluation:
1. How do cadherins contribute to the establishment and maintenance of tissue
integrity in multicellular organisms?
2. Explain the role of calcium ions in cadherin-mediated cell adhesion.
3. Discuss the importance of cadherin specificity in cell sorting and tissue
development. How do different types of cadherins contribute to the organization
and patterning of cells during embryogenesis?
4. Investigate the impact of cadherin dysfunction on cellular behavior and disease
progression. Choose a specific disease or disorder and explain how alterations in
cadherin expression or function contribute to its pathogenesis.
5. Compare and contrast cadherins with other types of cell adhesion molecules,
such as integrins or selectins. What are the similarities and differences in their
mechanisms of cell adhesion and their roles in tissue formation and
maintenance?

Assessment:
Multiple Choice.
Direction: Choose the most appropriate answer for each question.
1. Cadherins are transmembrane proteins that mediate cell adhesion through:
a) Calcium-independent interactions.
b) Covalent bonding with neighboring cells.
c) Interaction with the extracellular matrix.
d) Calcium-dependent interactions.
2. The specificity of cadherin binding refers to:
a) Their ability to bind to any cell type.
b) Their preference for binding to specific types of cells.
c) Their ability to bind to the extracellular matrix.
d) Their preference for binding to proteins of the cytoskeleton.
3. Cadherins are known to play a crucial role in:
a) Cell division.
b) Cell signaling.
c) Cell adhesion.
d) Cell differentiation.
4. The extracellular domains of cadherins are responsible for:
a) Binding to the cytoskeleton.
b) Binding to the extracellular matrix.
c) Binding to other cadherin molecules on neighboring cells.
d) Binding to the cell membrane.
5. Cadherin-mediated adhesion is dependent on the presence of:
a) Calcium ions.
b) Sodium ions.
c) Potassium ions.
d) Magnesium ions.
 6. Cadherins are primarily involved in the adhesion of:
a) Cells to the extracellular matrix.
b) Cells to the basement membrane.
c) Cells to neighboring cells.
d) Cells to the nucleus.
7. The loss of cadherin function can lead to:
a) Increased cell adhesion.
b) Enhanced cell migration.
c) Disruption of tissue integrity.
d) Accelerated cell division.
8. Cadherin dysfunction has been implicated in the development of:
a) Cancer.
b) Diabetes.
c) Alzheimer's disease.
d) Asthma.
9. The binding of cadherins is regulated by:
a) Hormones.
b) Enzymes.
c) Calcium ions.
d) Lipids.
10. Cadherin subtypes differ in their:
a) Binding specificity.
b) Cellular location.
c) Molecular weight.
d) All of the above.

Assignment:
Make an Essay.
1. Differentiate transmembrane domain, and intracellular domains in your own
understanding?
2. How does the presence or absence of calcium affect the binding and stability of
cadherin interactions?
3. Give your reflection about the topic in 100 words.