FAT atypical cadherin 1 (FAT1)

FAT atypical cadherin 1 (FAT1) is a large, single-pass transmembrane protein of the atypical cadherin family, characterized by an extracellular domain with 34 cadherin repeats, five EGF-like domains, and a laminin-G-like motif; it also possesses a cytoplasmic domain that interacts with key signaling molecules[2][1]. FAT1 primarily mediates calcium-dependent cell–cell adhesion and is crucial in regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics, cellular polarity, and migration[5][4][3]. It restricts cell proliferation and migration by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways, acting as a tumor suppressor in tissues such as the colon and brain[2][5][3]. In smooth muscle and epithelial cells, FAT1 opposes excessive cell growth and maintains tissue architecture. Loss or mutation of FAT1 is implicated in diverse human diseases, including several carcinomas, cardiovascular remodeling, neurodevelopmental defects, and muscular dystrophies[5][2][1]. Though currently undrugged, FAT1 and its processing products are emerging as cancer biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets due to their central roles in growth regulation, signaling integration, and disease[5][2][1].

Other names

Protocadherin Fat 1FATCDHF7CDHR8ME5hFat1Protein fat homologCadherin family member 7Cadherin-related tumor suppressor homologFAT tumor suppressor 1Cadherin ME5

Not directly targeted; theoretical mechanisms would involve modulation or restoration of FAT1 tumor suppressor function or impacting the FAT1-regulated Wnt/Hippo pathways[5][2][1].