Cadherin-12 (CDH12)

Cadherin-12 (CDH12) is a type II classical cadherin belonging to the cadherin superfamily of calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion proteins. It comprises a large extracellular domain, a transmembrane segment, and a conserved cytoplasmic tail. CDH12 is predominantly expressed in the brain and is implicated in neuronal development, neurite outgrowth, and synaptogenesis. It mediates homophilic cell interactions, contributing to tissue morphogenesis and the organization of neuronal circuits. CDH12 has emerging roles in various cancers and neuropsychiatric disorders. Experimental studies demonstrate that CDH12 affects neurite extension through the cAMP/PKA pathway and signaling molecules such as Rac1 and Cdc42. Therapeutic modulation or use as a biomarker remains primarily investigational.

Other names

Cadherin-12CDH12BR-cadherinBrain cadherinNeural type cadherin 2N-cadherin 2CDHBBr-cadherinbrain-cadherinneuronal cadherin 2cadherin, neural type, 2

Agonists/inhibitors modulate neurite outgrowth via cAMP/PKA pathway, affecting Rac1/Cdc42 signaling