Cadherin-2 (CDH2) (CDH2)

Cadherin-2, commonly referred to as N-cadherin, is a calcium-dependent transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a fundamental role in mediating homophilic cell-cell adhesion (UniProt: P19022). It is a member of the classical cadherin family and is predominantly expressed in the nervous system, cardiac muscle, and various mesenchymal tissues, where it facilitates tissue architecture and signaling (NCBI Gene: 1000). In clinical oncology, N-cadherin is recognized as a key marker of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that enables cancer cells to become more invasive and metastatic (PubMed: 25103448). The cadherin switch, characterized by the loss of E-cadherin and the gain of N-cadherin, is often associated with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies in various solid tumors. Therapeutic interventions targeting N-cadherin, such as the small peptide ADH-1 (Exherin), are designed to disrupt these adhesive bonds, thereby inhibiting tumor progression and enhancing the efficacy of co-administered chemotherapeutic agents (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00265057). Despite its potential as a target, the widespread expression of N-cadherin in vital organs like the heart and brain presents significant challenges regarding systemic toxicity and the therapeutic window.

Other names

N-cadherinNeural cadherinCDHNNCADCalcium-dependent adhesion neuron-specific cadherin

Antagonism of N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and inhibition of downstream pro-survival and migratory signaling pathways.