Structure and Function
Cadherins are synthesized as polypeptides and undergo many post-translational modifications to become the proteins which go on to mediate cell-cell adhesion. These polypeptides are approximately 720-750 amino acids long. Each cadherin has a small cytoplasmic component, a transmembrane component, and the remaining bulk of the protein is extra-cellular (outside the cell). Cadherins behave as both receptors and ligands. During development, their behavior assists in properly positioning cells. In the very early stages of development, E-cadherin is most greatly expressed. During the next stage, the development of the neuronal plate, N-cadherin is expressed and there is a decrease in E-cadherin. Finally, during the development of the notochord and the condensation of somites, E- P- and N-cadherin expression increases.
Read more about this topic: Cadherin
Famous quotes containing the words structure and, structure and/or function:
“Slumism is the pent-up anger of people living on the outside of affluence. Slumism is decay of structure and deterioration of the human spirit. Slumism is a virus which spreads through the body politic. As other “isms,” it breeds disorder and demagoguery and hate.”
—Hubert H. Humphrey (1911–1978)
“... the structure of a page of good prose is, analyzed logically, not something frozen but the vibrating of a bridge, which changes with every step one takes on it.”
—Robert Musil (1880–1942)
“My function in life is not to be a politician in Parliament: it is to get something done.”
—Bernadette Devlin (b. 1947)