Cadherin-8 (CDH8)

Cadherin-8 (CDH8) is a type II classical cadherin from the cadherin superfamily, composed of an extracellular domain with five cadherin motifs, a single transmembrane domain, and a conserved cytoplasmic tail[2][3][4]. Expressed most strongly in the brain, Cadherin-8 mediates calcium-dependent homophilic cell–cell adhesion and is essential for neural circuit development, including synaptic specificity, dendrite patterning, and formation of proper neuronal connections. CDH8's expression peaks during key periods of synapse formation and neuronal migration in development, especially within corticostriatal pathways, and plays a critical role in establishing connectivity that underlies motor, cognitive, and social functions[1][2][3][4]. Disruptions to CDH8, by genetic mutation or misregulation, are implicated in autism spectrum disorders, learning disability, and some cancers. There are no known drugs directly targeting CDH8.

Other names

CDH8cadherin 8Cadherin-8, type 2cad8Nbla04261

Not applicable; no approved drugs are known to act directly on Cadherin-8. Mechanistically, disruption (genetic or molecular) of Cadherin-8 impairs dendritic morphology and synaptic connectivity, which are implicated in disease phenotypes[1][2].