FAT atypical cadherin 2 (FAT2)

FAT atypical cadherin 2 is a giant cell surface protein belonging to the cadherin superfamily, containing 34 tandem cadherin repeats, two epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, and one laminin G domain[2][3][7]. FAT2 acts as a cell adhesion molecule implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, planar cell polarity, tissue morphogenesis, and development, notably in the cerebellum[2][3][4]. FAT2’s role includes organizing parallel fibers in granule cells during cerebellar development and regulating cell migration[3]. Pathologically, mutations or loss of FAT2 have been linked to tumorigenesis through disruption of the Hippo pathway and are associated with neurological disorders such as spinocerebellar ataxia[1][3]. FAT2’s paralog, FAT1, and related family members share overlapping functions in cytoskeletal organization, adhesion, and developmental processes[3][4]. Although not currently a druggable target, its involvement in cell signaling and cancer makes it a candidate for future therapeutic exploration[2][3].

Other names

CDHF8CDHR9HFAT2MEGF1SCA45

Not established for drugs; therapeutics would theoretically modulate cell adhesion, signaling or proliferation via FAT2 activity.