M-cadherin and its sisters in development of striated muscle.
Cadherins are calcium-dependent, transmembrane intercellular adhesion proteins with morphoregulatory functions in the development and maintenance of tissues. In the development of striated muscle, the expression and function of mainly M-, N-, and R-cadherin has been studied so far. While these three cadherins are expressed in skeletal muscle cells, of these only N-cadherin is expressed in cardiac muscle. In this review, M-, N-, and R-cadherin are discussed as important players in the terminal differentiation and possibly also in the commitment of skeletal muscle cells. Furthermore, reports are described which evaluate the essential role of N-cadherin in the formation of heart tissue.
Kaufmann
U
U
Institut der Anthropologie und Humangenetik der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Siesmayerstrasse 70, D-60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Martin
B
B
Link
D
D
Witt
K
K
Zeitler
R
R
Reinhard
S
S
Starzinski-Powitz
A
A
D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D024510:Muscle Development; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development*
D015820:Cadherins; C083970:R-cadherin; C070896:M-cadherin