Protocadherins

A group of cell adhesion molecules

General information

Cadherins are a complex protein superfamily involved in many cellular processes including cell recognition, cell signaling, cell communication during embryogenesis, and the formation of neural circuits in the central nervous system. Protocadherins constitute the largest group within the cadherin superfamily and can be subdivided into three groups: α-, β- and γ-protocadherins. Genes for these subgroups are organized in closely related gene clusters and encode variable extracellular and transmembrane domains. The short cytosolic tails are constant and shared within one subgroup.