N-Cadherin Protein, Mouse (HEK293)

N-Cadherin, a calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein, primarily facilitates homotypic cell-cell adhesion through dimerization with a CDH2 chain from neighboring cells. This property contributes to the sorting of heterogeneous cell types. Additionally, N-Cadherin serves as a regulator of neural stem cell quiescence by anchoring these cells to ependymocytes in the adult subependymal zone; MMP24-mediated cleavage of N-Cadherin affects this anchorage, modulating neural stem cell quiescence. In pancreatic beta cells, N-Cadherin plays a crucial role in forming cell-to-cell junctions with neural crest stem cells, promoting the extension of processes by the latter. The protein is essential for proper neurite branching, pre- and postsynaptic organization, and may be involved in neuronal recognition mechanisms. In hippocampal neurons, N-Cadherin potentially regulates dendritic spine density. Functionally, N-Cadherin forms homodimers via its extracellular region and can also form heterodimers with other cadherins in trans, involving a cadherin chain from another cell. Interactions with CDCP1, PCDH8, and OBSCN further underscore the complexity of N-Cadherin's cellular activities, with potential internalization through the TAOK2/p38 MAPK pathway. Moreover, it is identified in a complex containing FGFR4, NCAM1, CDH2, PLCG1, FRS2, SRC, SHC1, GAP43, and CTTN, highlighting its association with diverse cellular components.