Cadherin 18 (CDH18)

Cadherin 18 is a type II classical cadherin belonging to the cadherin superfamily of integral membrane proteins, responsible for calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. It is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and developing epicardium, implicated in synaptic formation, axon guidance, and the maintenance of cell identity. CDH18 mediates crucial developmental roles, participates in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and influences both oncogenic and neurological processes. It has been described as a tumor suppressor in glioma, modulating cell migration, invasion, and chemoresistance, and is associated genetically with metabolic coherence and neurodevelopmental traits. CDH18 does not possess a unique cell adhesion recognition sequence typical of type I cadherins, and interacts with pathways such as Wnt, TGF-β, and RhoA signaling. There are currently no clinical drugs targeting CDH18, but its expression may be affected indirectly by cell cycle regulators and used as a biomarker in oncology and developmental biology.

Other names

Cadherin-18CDH18Cadherin-14CDH14CDH14LCDH24EY-cadherincadherin-like 24Cadherin 18, type 2

Drugs affecting CDH18 expression (e.g., CDK4/6 inhibitors indirectly increase CDH18-mediated regulation of MDM2); Experimental modulation via gene silencing or overexpression alters EMT, cell identity, and signaling (not therapeutic drug mechanisms)