CDH11

Function

This gene encodes a type II classical cadherin from the cadherin superfamily, integral membrane proteins that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. Mature cadherin proteins are composed of a large N-terminal extracellular domain, a single membrane-spanning domain, and a small, highly conserved C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Type II (atypical) cadherins are defined based on their lack of a HAV cell adhesion recognition sequence specific to type I cadherins. Expression of this particular cadherin in osteoblastic cell lines, and its upregulation during differentiation, suggests a specific function in bone development and maintenance. The mammalian CDH-11 homologues are termed calsyntenin.

Relevance to cancer

CDH11 is overexpressed in 15% of breast cancers and seems essential to tumour progression in some other cancer types.

Drug interactions

Arthritis drug celecoxib binds to CDH11.

Interactions

CDH11 has been shown to interact with CDH2.