Invitrogen™ pro-N-cadherin Polyclonal Antibody

Pro-N-cadherin is the precursor form of N-cadherin, a type of cadherin protein encoded by the CDH2 gene. N-cadherin, also known as neural cadherin, is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule that plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, as well as in other tissues such as the heart and muscles. During its synthesis, pro-N-cadherin undergoes post-translational processing to remove its pro-peptide segment, resulting in the mature, functional N-cadherin protein. N-cadherin mediates cell-cell adhesion by forming adherens junctions, which are essential for maintaining tissue architecture, facilitating cell signaling, and promoting cellular interactions. It is particularly important in processes such as synaptic formation, neuronal migration, and the establishment of cell polarity. Dysregulation of N-cadherin expression or function has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer progression and metastasis, where it can influence tumor cell adhesion and migration. Additionally, mutations or alterations in N-cadherin are associated with developmental disorders and cardiac abnormalities. Understanding the regulation and function of pro-N-cadherin and its mature form is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting cell adhesion mechanisms in diseases such as cancer and congenital disorders. Research into pro-N-cadherin provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of cell adhesion and its impact on tissue development and integrity.