Structure of the Neural (N-) Cadherin Prodomain Reveals a Cadherin Extracellular Domain-like Fold without Adhesive Characteristics

CELSR1, a core planar cell polarity protein, features a weakly adhesive and flexible cadherin ectodomain

Planar cell polarity (PCP), essential to multicellular developmental processes, arises when cells polarize and align across tissues. Central to PCP is CELSR1, an atypical cadherin featuring a long ectodomain with nine extracellular cadherin (EC) repeats, a membrane adjacent domain (MAD10), and several characteristic adhesion GPCR domains. Cell-based aggregation assays have demonstrated CELSR1's homophilic adhesive nature, but mechanistic details are missing. Here, we investigate the possible adhesive properties and structures of CELSR1 EC repeats. Our bead aggregation assays do not support strong adhesion by EC repeats alone. Consistently, EC1-4 only dimerizes at high concentration in solution. Crystal structures of human CELSR1 EC1-4 and EC4-7 reveal typical folds and a non-canonical linker between EC5 and EC6. Simulations and experiments using EC4-7 indicate flexibility at EC5-6, and solution experiments show EC7-MAD10-mediated dimerization. Our results suggest weak homophilic adhesion by CELSR1 cadherin repeats and provide mechanistic insights into the structural determinants of CELSR1 function.

Structural basis of molecular recognition among classical cadherins mediating cell adhesion

Cadherins are type-I membrane glycoproteins that primarily participate in calcium-dependent cell adhesion and homotypic cell sorting in various stages of embryonic development. Besides their crucial role in cellular and physiological processes, increasing studies highlight their involvement in pathophysiological functions ranging from cancer progression and metastasis to being entry receptors for pathogens. Cadherins mediate these cellular processes through homophilic, as well as heterophilic interactions (within and outside the superfamily) by their membrane distal ectodomains. This review provides an in-depth structural perspective of molecular recognition among type-I and type-II classical cadherins. Furthermore, this review offers structural insights into different dimeric assemblies like the 'strand-swap dimer' and 'X-dimer' as well as mechanisms relating these dimer forms like 'two-step adhesion' and 'encounter complex'. Alongside providing structural details, this review connects structural studies to bond mechanics merging crystallographic and single-molecule force spectroscopic findings. Finally, the review discusses the recent discoveries on dimeric intermediates that uncover prospects of further research beyond two-step adhesion.

Salinomycin disturbs Golgi function and specifically affects cells in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gives rise to cells with properties similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Targeting the EMT program to selectively eliminate CSCs is a promising way to improve cancer therapy. Salinomycin (Sal), a K+/H+ ionophore, was identified as highly selective towards CSC-like cells, but its mechanism of action and selectivity remains elusive. Here, we show that Sal, similar to monensin and nigericin, disturbs the function of the Golgi. Sal alters the expression of Golgi-related genes and leads to marked changes in Golgi morphology, particularly in cells that have undergone EMT. Moreover, Golgi-disturbing agents severely affect post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein processing, glycosylation and secretion. We discover that the alterations induced by Golgi-disturbing agents specifically affect the viability of EMT cells. Collectively, our work reveals a novel vulnerability related to the EMT, suggesting an important role for the Golgi in the EMT and that targeting the Golgi could represent a novel therapeutic approach against CSCs.

Cardiomyopathy related desmocollin-2 prodomain variants affect the intracellular cadherin transport and processing

Background

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy can be caused by genetic variants in desmosomal cadherins. Since cardiac desmosomal cadherins are crucial for cell-cell-adhesion, their correct localization at the plasma membrane is essential.

Methods

Nine desmocollin-2 variants at five positions from various public genetic databases (p.D30N, p.V52A/I, p.G77V/D/S, p.V79G, p.I96V/T) and three additional conserved positions (p.C32, p.C57, p.F71) within the prodomain were investigated in vitro using confocal microscopy. Model variants (p.C32A/S, p.V52G/L, p.C57A/S, p.F71Y/A/S, p.V79A/I/L, p.I96l/A) were generated to investigate the impact of specific amino acids.

Results

We revealed that all analyzed positions in the prodomain are critical for the intracellular transport. However, the variants p.D30N, p.V52A/I and p.I96V listed in genetic databases do not disturb the intracellular transport revealing that the loss of these canonical sequences may be compensated.

Conclusion

As disease-related homozygous truncating desmocollin-2 variants lacking the transmembrane domain are not localized at the plasma membrane, we predict that some of the investigated prodomain variants may be relevant in the context of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy due to disturbed intracellular transport.

Serum Pro-N-Cadherin Is a Marker of Subclinical Heart Failure in the General Population

Background We recently reported aberrant processing and localization of the precursor PNC (pro-N-cadherin) protein in failing heart tissues and detected elevated PNC products in the plasma of patients with heart failure. We hypothesize that PNC mislocalization and subsequent circulation is an early event in the pathogenesis of heart failure, and therefore circulating PNC is an early biomarker of heart failure. Methods and Results In collaboration with the Duke University Clinical and Translational Science Institute's MURDOCK (Measurement to Understand Reclassification of Disease of Cabarrus and Kannapolis) study, we queried enrolled individuals and sampled 2 matched cohorts: a cohort of individuals with no known heart failure at the time of serum collection and no heart failure development in the following 13 years (n=289, cohort A) and a matching cohort of enrolled individuals who had no known heart failure at the time of serum collection but subsequently developed heart failure within the following 13 years (n=307, cohort B). Serum PNC and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide) concentrations in each population were quantified by ELISA. We detected no significant difference in NT-proBNP rule-in or rule-out statistics between the 2 cohorts at baseline. In participants who developed heart failure, serum PNC is significantly elevated relative to those who did not report development of heart failure (P<0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analyses of PNC demonstrate diagnostic value for subclinical heart failure. Additionally, PNC has diagnostic potential when comparing participants with no reported heart failure risk factors from cohort A to at-risk participants from cohort B over the 13-year follow-up. Participants whose PNC levels measure >6 ng/mL have a 41% increased risk of all-cause mortality independent of age, body mass index, sex, NT-proBNP, blood pressure, previous heart attack, and coronary artery disease (P=0.044, n=596). Conclusions These data suggest that PNC is an early marker of heart failure and has the potential to identify patients who would benefit from early therapeutic intervention.

Identification of a novel variant in N-cadherin associated with dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is a major cause of heart failure, is a primary cardiac muscle disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. DCM is a genetically heritable disease and more than 10 gene ontologies have been implicated in DCM. CDH2 encodes N-cadherin and belongs to a superfamily of transmembrane proteins that mediate cell–cell adhesion in a calcium-dependent manner. Deficiency of CDH2 is associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (OMIM: 618920) and agenesis of the corpus callosum, cardiac, ocular, and genital syndrome (OMIM: 618929). However, there have been no reports of isolated DCM associated with CDH2 deficiency.

Methods

We performed whole exome sequencing in a 12-year-old girl with non-syndromic DCM and her unaffected parents. Variants in both known DCM-related genes and novel candidate genes were analyzed and pathogenicity confirmation experiments were performed.

Results

No pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in known DCM-related genes was identified in the patient. We found a de novo variant in a candidate gene CDH2 in the patient, namely, c.474G>C/p.Lys158Asn (NM_001792.5). This variant has not been reported in the ClinVar or Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). CDH2 p.Lys158Asn was found in the conserved domain of N-cadherin, which is associated with the hydrolysis of the precursor segment and interference with adhesiveness. Furthermore, we tested the expression and efficiency of cell–cell adhesion while overexpressing the CDH2 Lys158Asn mutant and two previously reported variants in CDH2 as positive controls. The adhesion efficiency was considerably reduced in the presence of the mutated CDH2 protein compared with wild-type CDH2 protein, which suggested that the mutated CDH2 protein's adhesion capacity was impaired. The variant was probably pathogenic after integrating clinical manifestations, genetic analysis, and functional tests.

Conclusion

We identified a CDH2 variant in DCM. We observed a new clinical symptom associated with N-cadherin deficiency and broadened the genetic spectra of DCM.

Pathologic Proteolytic Processing of N-Cadherin as a Marker of Human Fibrotic Disease

Prior research has implicated the involvement of cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin in tissue fibrosis and remodeling. We hypothesize that anomalies in N-cadherin protein processing are involved in pathological fibrosis. Diseased tissues associated with fibrosis of the heart, lung, and liver were probed for the precursor form of N-cadherin, pro-N-cadherin (PNC), by immunohistochemistry and compared to healthy tissues. Myofibroblast cell lines were analyzed for cell surface pro-N-cadherin by flow cytometry and immunofluorescent microscopy. Soluble PNC products were immunoprecipitated from patient plasmas and an enzyme-linked immunoassay was developed for quantification. All fibrotic tissues examined show aberrant PNC localization. Cell surface PNC is expressed in myofibroblast cell lines isolated from cardiomyopathy and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis but not on myofibroblasts isolated from healthy tissues. PNC is elevated in the plasma of patients with cardiomyopathy (p ≤ 0.0001), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (p ≤ 0.05), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with cirrhosis (p ≤ 0.05). Finally, we have humanized a murine antibody and demonstrate that it significantly inhibits migration of PNC expressing myofibroblasts. Collectively, the aberrant localization of PNC is observed in all fibrotic tissues examined in our study and our data suggest a role for cell surface PNC in the pathogenesis of fibrosis.

Protease-dependent defects in N-cadherin processing drive PMM2-CDG pathogenesis

The genetic bases for the congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) continue to expand, but how glycosylation defects cause patient phenotypes remains largely unknown. Here, we combined developmental phenotyping and biochemical studies in a potentially new zebrafish model (pmm2^sa10150) of PMM2-CDG to uncover a protease-mediated pathogenic mechanism relevant to craniofacial and motility phenotypes in mutant embryos. Mutant embryos had reduced phosphomannomutase activity and modest decreases in N-glycan occupancy as detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging. Cellular analyses of cartilage defects in pmm2^sa10150 embryos revealed a block in chondrogenesis that was associated with defective proteolytic processing, but seemingly normal N-glycosylation, of the cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin. The activities of the proconvertases and matrix metalloproteinases responsible for N-cadherin maturation were significantly altered in pmm2^sa10150 mutant embryos. Importantly, pharmacologic and genetic manipulation of proconvertase activity restored matrix metalloproteinase activity, N-cadherin processing, and cartilage pathology in pmm2^sa10150 embryos. Collectively, these studies demonstrate in CDG that targeted alterations in protease activity create a pathogenic cascade that affects the maturation of cell adhesion proteins critical for tissue development.

Sticking together: Harnessing cadherin biology for tissue engineering

Directing cell behavior and building a tissue for therapeutic impact is the main goal of regenerative medicine, for which scientists need to modulate the interaction of cells with biomaterials. The focus of the field thus far has been on the incorporation of cues from the extracellular matrix but we propose that scientists take lessons from cell-cell adhesion proteins, more specifically cadherin biology, as these proteins make multicellularity possible. In this perspective, we re-examine cadherins through the lens of a tissue engineer for the purpose of advancing regenerative medicine. Furthermore, we summarize exciting developments in biomaterials inspired by cadherins and discuss some challenges and opportunities for the future. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tissue engineers need tools to direct cell behavior. To date, tissue engineers have designed many sophisticated materials to positively influence cell behavior but are faced with the challenge where these materials sometimes work and sometimes fail. This uncertainty is a big unanswered question that challenges the community. We propose that tissue engineering could be more successful if they would take lessons from cell-cell adhesion proteins, more specifically cadherin biology. In the article, we discuss key structural and functional characteristics that make cadherins ideal for tissue engineering approaches. Furthermore, by providing a state-of-the-art overview of exemplary studies that have used cadherins to influence cell behavior, we show tissue engineers that they already have the tools necessary to incorporate this knowledge.

Structural variability and dynamics in the ectodomain of an ancestral-type classical cadherin revealed by AFM imaging

Type III cadherin represents the ancestral form of classical cadherin in bilaterian metazoans. Drosophila possesses type III and type IVa cadherins, known as DN- and DE-cadherins, respectively. Mature DN- and DE-cadherins have 15 and 7 extracellular cadherin domain (EC) repeats, respectively, with DN-cadherin EC6–EC11 homologous to DE-cadherin EC1–EC6. These EC repeats contain predicted complete or partial Ca²⁺-free inter-EC linkers that potentially contribute to adhesion. Comparative structure–function studies of DN- and DE-cadherins may help us understand the ancestral and derived states of classical cadherin-mediated adhesion mechanisms. Here, using bead aggregation assays, we found that DN-cadherin EC1–EC11 and DE-cadherin EC1–EC6 exhibit Ca²⁺-dependent adhesive properties. Using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) imaging in solution, we show that both DN- and DE-cadherin ectodomains share a common morphological framework consisting of a strand-like and a globule-like portion. Furthermore, the DN-cadherin EC repeats are highly variable, flexible in morphology and have at least three bendable sites, one of which is located in EC6–EC11 and can act as a flexible hinge. Our findings provide insights into diversification of classical cadherin-mediated adhesion mechanisms.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Summary: Atomic force microscopy imaging reveals that the ectodomain of an ancestral-type classical cadherin has a flexibly bendable strand-like portion responsible for homophilic adhesion.

A two-site flexible clamp mechanism for RET-GDNF-GFRα1 assembly reveals both conformational adaptation and strict geometric spacing

RET receptor tyrosine kinase plays vital developmental and neuroprotective roles in metazoans. GDNF family ligands (GFLs) when bound to cognate GFRα co-receptors recognize and activate RET stimulating its cytoplasmic kinase function. The principles for RET ligand-co-receptor recognition are incompletely understood. Here, we report a crystal structure of the cadherin-like module (CLD1-4) from zebrafish RET revealing interdomain flexibility between CLD2 and CLD3. Comparison with a cryo-electron microscopy structure of a ligand-engaged zebrafish RETECD-GDNF-GFRα1a complex indicates conformational changes within a clade-specific CLD3 loop adjacent to the co-receptor. Our observations indicate that RET is a molecular clamp with a flexible calcium-dependent arm that adapts to different GFRα co-receptors, while its rigid arm recognizes a GFL dimer to align both membrane-proximal cysteine-rich domains. We also visualize linear arrays of RETECD-GDNF-GFRα1a suggesting that a conserved contact stabilizes higher-order species. Our study reveals that ligand-co-receptor recognition by RET involves both receptor plasticity and strict spacing of receptor dimers by GFL ligands.

Adiponectin, a unique adipocyte-derived factor beyond hormones

Visceral fat accumulation has a marked impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome clustering diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived circulating protein, is a representative adipocytokine and uniquely possesses two major properties: 1) its circulating concentration is approximately 3-6 orders of magnitude greater than ordinary hormones and cytokines; 2) its concentration inversely correlates with body fat mass despite its adipocyte-specific production. Low serum levels of adiponectin correlate with cardiometabolic diseases. Extensive experimental evidence has demonstrated that adiponectin possesses multiple properties, such as anti-atherosclerotic, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. It has been shown to play a central role against the development of metabolic syndrome and its complications. However, even approximately 25 years after its discovery, the properties of adiponectin, including how and why it exerts multiple beneficial effects on various tissues and/or organs, remain unclear. Furthermore, the mechanisms responsible for the very high circulating concentrations of adiponectin in the bloodstream have not been elucidated. Several adiponectin-binding partners, such as AdipoR1/2, have been identified, but do not fully explain the multi-functional and beneficial properties of adiponectin. Recent advances in adiponectin research may resolve these issues. Adiponectin binds to and covers cell surfaces with T-cadherin, a unique glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cadherin. The adiponectin/T-cadherin complex enhances exosomal production and release, excreting cell-toxic products from cells, particularly in the vasculature. In this review, we discuss adiponectin and the role of the adiponectin/T-cadherin system in the maintenance of whole body homeostasis and cardiovascular protection.

Cathepsins: Proteases that are vital for survival but can also be fatal

The state of enzymes in the human body determines the normal physiology or pathology, so all the six classes of enzymes are crucial. Proteases, the hydrolases, can be of several types based on the nucleophilic amino acid or the metal cofactor needed for their activity. Cathepsins are proteases with serine, cysteine, or aspartic acid residues as the nucleophiles, which are vital for digestion, coagulation, immune response, adipogenesis, hormone liberation, peptide synthesis, among a litany of other functions. But inflammatory state radically affects their normal roles. Released from the lysosomes, they degrade extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and elastin, mediating parasite infection, autoimmune diseases, tumor metastasis, cardiovascular issues, and neural degeneration, among other health hazards. Over the years, the different types and isoforms of cathepsin, their optimal pH and functions have been studied, yet much information is still elusive. By taming and harnessing cathepsins, by inhibitors and judicious lifestyle, a gamut of malignancies can be resolved. This review discusses these aspects, which can be of clinical relevance.

The reversible effects of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the human brain

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent survival factor, and a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily acting on different neuronal activities. GDNF was originally identified as a neurotrophic factor crucially involved in the survival of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway and is currently an established therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease. However, GDNF was later reported to be highly expressed in gliomas, especially in glioblastomas, and was demonstrated as a potent proliferation factor involved in the development and migration of gliomas. Here, we review our current understanding and progress made so far by researchers in our laboratories with references to relevant articles to support our discoveries. We present past and recent discoveries on the mechanisms involved in the protection of neurons by GDNF and examine its emerging roles in gliomas, as well as reasons for the abnormal expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Collectively, our work establishes a paradigm by which the ability of GDNF to protect dopaminergic neurons from degradation and its corresponding effects on glioma cells points to an underlying biological vulnerability in the effects of GDNF in the normal brain which can be subverted for use by cancer cells. Hence, presenting novel opportunities for intervention in glioma therapies.

Precursor N-cadherin mediates glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-promoted human malignant glioma

As the most prevalent primary brain tumor, gliomas are highly metastatic, invasive and are characteristic of high levels of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF is an important factor for invasive glioma cell growth; however, the underlying mechanism involved is unclear. In this study, we affirm a significantly higher expression of the precursor of N-cadherin (proN-cadherin) in most gliomas compared with normal brain tissues. Our findings reveal that GDNF interacts with the extracellular domain of proN-cadherin, which suggests that proN-cadherin mediates GDNF-induced glioma cell migration and invasion. We hypothesize that proN-cadherin might cause homotypic adhesion loss within neighboring cells and at the same time promote heterotypic adhesion within the extracellular matrix (ECM) through a certain mechanism. This study also demonstrates that the interaction between GDNF and proN-cadherin activates specific intracellular signaling pathways; furthermore, GDNF promoted the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the ECM via proN-cadherin. To reach the future goal of developing novel therapies of glioma, this study, reveals a unique mechanism of glioma cell migration and invasion.

Pathogenicity-associated protein domains: The fiercely-conserved evolutionary signatures

Proteins have highly conserved domains that determine their functionality. Out of the thousands of domains discovered so far across all living forms, some of the predominant clinically-relevant domains include IENR1, HNHc, HELICc, Pro-kuma_activ, Tryp_SPc, Lactamase_B, PbH1, ChtBD3, CBM49, acidPPc, G3P_acyltransf, RPOL8c, KbaA, HAMP, HisKA, Hr1, Dak2, APC2, Citrate_ly_lig, DALR, VKc, YARHG, WR1, PWI, ZnF_BED, TUDOR, MHC_II_beta, Integrin_B_tail, Excalibur, DISIN, Cadherin, ACTIN, PROF, Robl_LC7, MIT, Kelch, GAS2, B41, Cyclin_C, Connexin_CCC, OmpH, Bac_rhodopsin, AAA, Knot1, NH, Galanin, IB, Elicitin, ACTH, Cache_2, CHASE, AgrB, PRP, IGR, and Antimicrobial21. These domains are distributed in nucleases/helicases, proteases, esterases, lipases, glycosylase, GTPases, phosphatases, methyltransferases, acyltransferase, acetyltransferase, polymerase, kinase, ligase, synthetase, oxidoreductase, protease inhibitors, nucleic acid binding proteins, adhesion and immunity-related proteins, cytoskeletal component-manipulating proteins, lipid biosynthesis and metabolism proteins, membrane-associated proteins, hormone-like and signaling proteins, etc. These domains are ubiquitous stretches or folds of the proteins in pathogens and allergens. Pathogenesis alleviation efforts can benefit enormously if the characteristics of these domains are known. Hence, this review catalogs and discusses the role of such pivotal domains, suggesting hypotheses for better understanding of pathogenesis at molecular level.

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Proteins have highly conserved regions or domains across pathogens and allergens.

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Knowledge on these critical domains can facilitate our understanding of pathogenesis mechanisms.

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Such immune manipulation-related domains include IENR1, HNHc, HELICc, ACTIN, PROF, Robl_LC7, OmpH etc.

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These domains are presnt in enzyme, transcription regulators, adhesion proteins, and hormones.

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This review discusses and hypothesizes on these domains.

The unique prodomain of T-cadherin plays a key role in adiponectin binding with the essential extracellular cadherin repeats 1 and 2

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived circulating protein, accumulates in the heart, vascular endothelium, and skeletal muscles through an interaction with T-cadherin (T-cad), a unique glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cadherin. Recent studies have suggested that this interaction is essential for adiponectin-mediated cardiovascular protection. However, the precise protein-protein interaction between adiponectin and T-cad remains poorly characterized. Using ELISA-based and surface plasmon analyses, we report here that T-cad fused with IgG Fc as a fusion tag by replacing its glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor specifically bound both hexameric and larger multimeric adiponectin with a dissociation constant of ∼1.0 nm and without any contribution from other cellular or serum factors. The extracellular T-cad repeats 1 and 2 were critical for the observed adiponectin binding, which is required for classical cadherin-mediated cell-to-cell adhesion. Moreover, the 130-kDa prodomain-bearing T-cad, uniquely expressed on the cell surface among members of the cadherin family and predominantly increased by adiponectin, contributed significantly to adiponectin binding. Inhibition of prodomain-processing by a prohormone convertase inhibitor increased 130-kDa T-cad levels and also enhanced adiponectin binding to endothelial cells both by more preferential cell-surface localization and by higher adiponectin-binding affinity of 130-kDa T-cad relative to 100-kDa T-cad. The preferential cell-surface localization of 130-kDa T-cad relative to 100-kDa T-cad was also observed in normal mice aorta in vivo In conclusion, our study shows that a unique key feature of the T-cad prodomain is its involvement in binding of the T-cad repeats 1 and 2 to adiponectin and also demonstrates that adiponectin positively regulates T-cad abundance.

P120-Catenin Regulates Early Trafficking Stages of the N-Cadherin Precursor Complex

It is well established that binding of p120 catenin to the cytoplasmic domain of surface cadherin prevents cadherin endocytosis and degradation, contributing to cell-cell adhesion. In the present work we show that p120 catenin bound to the N-cadherin precursor, contributes to its anterograde movement from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi complex. In HeLa cells, depletion of p120 expression, or blocking its binding to N-cadherin, increased the accumulation of the precursor in the ER, while it decreased the localization of mature N-cadherin at intercellular junctions. Reconstitution experiments in p120-deficient SW48 cells with all three major isoforms of p120 (1, 3 and 4) had similar capacity to promote the processing of the N-cadherin precursor to the mature form, and its localization at cell-cell junctions. P120 catenin and protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B facilitated the recruitment of the N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF), an ATPase involved in vesicular trafficking, to the N-cadherin precursor complex. Dominant negative NSF E329Q impaired N-cadherin trafficking, maturation and localization at cell-cell junctions. Our results uncover a new role for p120 catenin bound to the N-cadherin precursor ensuring its trafficking through the biosynthetic pathway towards the cell surface.

The multifaceted proprotein convertases: their unique, redundant, complementary, and opposite functions

The secretory proprotein convertase (PC) family comprises nine members: PC1/3, PC2, furin, PC4, PC5/6, PACE4, PC7, SKI-1/S1P, and PCSK9. The first seven PCs cleave their substrates at single or paired basic residues, and SKI-1/S1P cleaves its substrates at non-basic residues in the Golgi. PCSK9 cleaves itself once, and the secreted inactive protease escorts specific receptors for lysosomal degradation. It regulates the levels of circulating LDL cholesterol and is considered a major therapeutic target in phase III clinical trials. In vivo, PCs exhibit unique and often essential functions during development and/or in adulthood, but certain convertases also exhibit complementary, redundant, or opposite functions.

Sleeping giants: emerging roles for the fat cadherins in health and disease

The vertebrate Fat cadherins comprise a small gene family of four members, Fat1-Fat4, all closely related in structure to Drosophila ft and ft2. Over the past decade, knock-out mouse studies, genetic manipulation, and large sequencing projects has aided our understanding of the function of vertebrate Fat cadherins in tissue development and disease. The majority of studies of this family have focused on Fat1, with evidence now showing it can bind enable (ENA)/Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), β-catenin and Atrophin proteins to influence cell polarity and motility; HOMER-1 and HOMER-3 proteins to regulate actin accumulation in neuronal synapses; and scribble to influence the Hippo signaling pathway. Fat2 and Fat3 can regulate cell migration in a tissue specific manner and Fat4 appears to influence both planar cell polarity and Hippo signaling recapitulating the activity of Drosophila ft. Knowledge about the exact downstream signaling pathways activated by each family member remains in its infancy, but it is becoming clearer that they have tissue specific and redundant roles in development and may be lost or gained in cancer. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on understanding the role of the Fat cadherin family, integrating the current knowledge of molecular interactions and tissue distributions, together with the accumulating evidence of their changed expression in human disease. The latter is now beginning to promote interest in these molecules as both biomarkers and new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Opposite roles of furin and PC5A in N-cadherin processing

We recently demonstrated that lack of Furin-processing of the N-cadherin precursor (proNCAD) in highly invasive melanoma and brain tumor cells results in the cell-surface expression of a nonadhesive protein favoring cell migration and invasion in vitro. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of malignant human brain tumor cells revealed that of all proprotein convertases (PCs) only the levels of Furin and PC5A are modulated, being inversely (Furin) or directly (PC5A) correlated with brain tumor invasive capacity. Intriguingly, the N-terminal sequence following the Furin-activated NCAD site (RQKR↓DW(161), mouse nomenclature) reveals a second putative PC-processing site (RIRSDR↓DK(189)) located in the first extracellular domain. Cleavage at this site would abolish the adhesive functions of NCAD because of the loss of the critical Trp(161). This was confirmed upon analysis of the fate of the endogenous prosegment of proNCAD in human malignant glioma cells expressing high levels of Furin and low levels of PC5A (U343) or high levels of PC5A and negligible Furin levels (U251). Cellular analyses revealed that Furin is the best activating convertase releasing an ~17-kDa prosegment, whereas PC5A is the major inactivating enzyme resulting in the secretion of an ~20-kDa product. Like expression of proNCAD at the cell surface, cleavage of the NCAD molecule at RIRSDR↓DK(189) renders the U251 cancer cells less adhesive to one another and more migratory. Our work modifies the present view on posttranslational processing and surface expression of classic cadherins and clarifies how NCAD possesses a range of adhesive potentials and plays a critical role in tumor progression.

Regulation of cadherin expression in nervous system development

This review addresses our current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms for classical cadherin expression during development of the vertebrate nervous system. The complexity of the spatial and temporal expression patterns is linked to morphogenic and functional roles in the developing nervous system. While the regulatory networks controlling cadherin expression are not well understood, it is likely that the multiple signaling pathways active in the development of particular domains also regulate the specific cadherins expressed at that time and location. With the growing understanding of the broader roles of cadherins in cell-cell adhesion and non-adhesion processes, it is important to understand both the upstream regulation of cadherin expression and the downstream effects of specific cadherins within their cellular context.

In vitro functional analyses of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy-associated desmoglein-2-missense variations

Background

Although numerous sequence variants in desmoglein-2 (DSG2) have been associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), the functional impact of new sequence variations is difficult to estimate.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To test the functional consequences of DSG2-variants, we established an expression system for the extracellular domain and the full-length DSG2 using the human cell line HT1080. We established new tools to investigate ARVC-associated DSG2 variations and compared wild-type proteins and proteins with one of the five selected variations (DSG2-p.R46Q, -p.D154E, -p.D187G, -p.K294E, -p.V392I) with respect to prodomain cleavage, adhesion properties and cellular localisation.

Conclusions/Significance

The ARVC-associated DSG2-p.R46Q variation was predicted to be probably damaging by bioinformatics tools and to concern a conserved proprotein convertase cleavage site. In this study an impaired prodomain cleavage and an influence on the DSG2-properties could be demonstrated for the R46Q-variant leading to the classification of the variant as a potential gain-of-function mutant. In contrast, the variants DSG2-p.K294E and -p.V392I, which have an arguable impact on ARVC pathogenesis and are predicted to be benign, did not show functional differences to the wild-type protein in our study. Notably, the variants DSG2-p.D154E and -p.D187G, which were predicted to be damaging by bioinformatics tools, had no detectable effects on the DSG2 protein properties in our study.

N-cadherin prodomain processing regulates synaptogenesis

Classical cadherins, which are adhesion molecules functioning at the CNS synapse, are synthesized as adhesively inactive precursor proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Signal sequence and prodomain cleavage in the ER and Golgi apparatus, respectively, activates their adhesive properties. Here, we provide the first evidence for sorting of nonadhesive precursor N-cadherin (ProN) to the neuronal surface, where it coexists with adhesively competent mature N-cadherin (N-cad), generating a spectrum of adhesive strengths. In cultured hippocampal neurons, a high ProN/N-cad ratio downregulates synapse formation. Neurons expressing genetically engineered uncleavable ProN make markedly fewer synapses. The synapse number can be rescued to normality by depleting surface ProN levels through prodomain cleavage by an exogenous protease. Finally, prodomain processing is developmentally regulated in the rat hippocampus. We conclude that it is the ProN/N-cad ratio and not mature N-cad alone that is critical for regulation of adhesion during synaptogenesis.

Developmental changes in expression, subcellular distribution, and function of Drosophila N-cadherin, guided by a cell-intrinsic program during neuronal differentiation

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) perform numerous functions during neural development. An individual CAM can play different roles during each stage of neuronal differentiation; however, little is known about how such functional switching is accomplished. Here we show that Drosophila N-cadherin (CadN) is required at multiple developmental stages within the same neuronal population and that its sub-cellular expression pattern changes between the different stages. During development of mushroom body neurons and motoneurons, CadN is expressed at high levels on growing axons, whereas expression becomes downregulated and restricted to synaptic sites in mature neurons. Phenotypic analysis of CadN mutants reveals that developing axons require CadN for axon guidance and fasciculation, whereas mature neurons for terminal growth and receptor clustering. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CadN downregulation can be achieved in cultured neurons without synaptic contact with other cells. Neuronal silencing experiments using Kir(2.1) indicate that neuronal excitability is also dispensable for CadN downregulation in vivo. Interestingly, downregulation of CadN can be prematurely induced by ectopic expression of a nonselective cation channel, dTRPA1, in developing neurons. Together, we suggest that switching of CadN expression during neuronal differentiation involves regulated cation influx within neurons.

E-cadherin destabilization accounts for the pathogenicity of missense mutations in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer

E-cadherin is critical for the maintenance of tissue architecture due to its role in cell-cell adhesion. E-cadherin mutations are the genetic cause of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) and missense mutations represent a clinical burden, due to the uncertainty of their pathogenic role. In vitro and in vivo, most mutations lead to loss-of-function, although the causal factor is unknown for the majority. We hypothesized that destabilization could account for the pathogenicity of E-cadherin missense mutations in HDGC, and tested our hypothesis using in silico and in vitro tools. FoldX algorithm was used to calculate the impact of each mutation in E-cadherin native-state stability, and the analysis was complemented with evolutionary conservation, by SIFT. Interestingly, HDGC patients harbouring germline E-cadherin destabilizing mutants present a younger age at diagnosis or death, suggesting that the loss of native-state stability of E-cadherin accounts for the disease phenotype. To elucidate the biological relevance of E-cadherin destabilization in HDGC, we investigated a group of newly identified HDGC-associated mutations (E185V, S232C and L583R), of which L583R is predicted to be destabilizing. We show that this mutation is not functional in vitro, exhibits shorter half-life and is unable to mature, due to premature proteasome-dependent degradation, a phenotype reverted by stabilization with the artificial mutation L583I (structurally tolerated). Herein we report E-cadherin structural models suitable to predict the impact of the majority of cancer-associated missense mutations and we show that E-cadherin destabilization leads to loss-of-function in vitro and increased pathogenicity in vivo.

The three-dimensional structure of the cadherin-catenin complex

The cadherin-catenin complex is the major building block of the adherens junction. It is responsible for coupling Ca(2+)-dependent intercellular junctions with various intracellular events, including actin dynamics and signaling pathways. Determination of three-dimensional structures of cadherins, p120 catenin, β-catenin and α-catenin at atomic-level resolution has allowed us to examine how the structure and function of cell adhesion molecules are further modulated by protein-protein interactions. Structural studies of cadherins revealed the strand-swap-dependent and -independent trans-dimerization mechanisms, as well as a potential mechanism for lateral clustering of cadherin trans-dimers. Crystallographic and NMR analyses of p120 catenin revealed that it regulates the stability of cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion by associating with the majority of the E-cadherin juxtamembrane domain, including residues implicated in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and Hakai-dependent ubiquitination. Crystal structures of the β-catenin/E-cadherin complex and the β-/α-catenin chimera revealed extensive interactions necessary to form the cadherin/β-catenin/α-catenin ternary complex. Structural characterization of α-catenin has revealed conformational changes within the N-terminal and modulatory domains that are crucial for its role as a mechanosensor of cell-cell adhesion. Further insights into the connection between the cadherin-catenin complex and the actin cytoskeleton are integral to better understand how adjoining cells communicate through cell-cell adhesion.

E-cadherin cell-cell communication in melanogenesis and during development of malignant melanoma

Cell-cell communication is necessary for the crosstalk between cells that constitute multicellular organisms and is essential for cells to coordinate their physiological behavior to create cohesive tissues. Cellular crosstalk is not only controlled by molecules, like growth factors, hormones, ions and G-proteins, etc. but also by cell-cell contacts. These contacts are essential for intercellular communication and are involved in survival, apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation and homeostasis of entire tissues. In polarized epithelia of vertebrates, the adherent junction is part of the tripartite junctional complex that is localized at the juxtaluminal region, which includes tight junctions (including claudins, occludins, and zonula occludens proteins), desmosomal junctions (including desmogleins), and adherent junctions. In focus of the manuscript are adherent molecules of the cadherin superfamily of the skin. In the normal epidermis, melanocytes and keratinocytes are mostly connected via E-cadherin, P-cadherin and H-cadherin [1-3]. Melanocytes that reside in the basal layer of the epidermis predominantly contain E-cadherin and H-cadherin, whereas those that reside in the hair follicles are rich in P-cadherin [2]. The regulation and role of E-cadherin during melanoma development will be the focus of this review.

Surface expression of precursor N-cadherin promotes tumor cell invasion

The expression of N-cadherin (NCAD) has been shown to correlate with increased tumor cell motility and metastasis. However, NCAD-mediated adhesion is a robust phenomenon and therefore seems to be inconsistent with the "release" from intercellular adhesion required for invasion. We show that in the most invasive melanoma and brain tumor cells, altered posttranslational processing results in abundant nonadhesive precursor N-cadherin (proNCAD) at the cell surface, although total NCAD levels remain constant. We demonstrate that aberrantly processed proNCAD promotes cell migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, in human tumor specimens, we find high levels of proNCAD as well, supporting an overall conclusion that proNCAD and mature NCAD coexist on these tumor cell surfaces and that it is the ratio between these functionally antagonistic moieties that directly correlates with invasion potential. Our work provides insight into what may be a widespread mechanism for invasion and metastasis and challenges the current dogma of the functional roles played by classic cadherins in tumor progression.

Computational modeling of laminin N-terminal domains using sparse distance constraints from disulfide bonds and chemical cross-linking

Basement membranes are thin extracellular protein layers, which separate endothelial and epithelial cells from the underlying connecting tissue. The main noncollagenous components of basement membranes are laminins, trimeric glycoproteins, which form polymeric networks by interactions of their N-terminal (LN) domains; however, no high-resolution structure of laminin LN domains exists so far. To construct models for laminin β(1) and γ(1) LN domains, 14 potentially suited template structures were determined using fold recognition methods. For each target/template-combination comparative models were created with Rosetta. Final models were selected based on their agreement with experimentally obtained distance constraints from natural cross-links, that is, disulfide bonds as well as chemical cross-links obtained from reactions with two amine-reactive cross-linkers. We predict that laminin β(1) and γ(1) LN domains share the galactose-binding domain-like fold.

Mechanistic insights into arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy caused by desmocollin-2 mutations

Aims

Recent immunohistochemical studies observed the loss of plakoglobin (PG) from the intercalated disc (ID) as a hallmark of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), suggesting a final common pathway for this disease. However, the underlying molecular processes are poorly understood.

Methods and results

We have identified novel mutations in the desmosomal cadherin desmocollin 2 (DSC2 R203C, L229X, T275M, and G371fsX378). The two missense mutations (DSC2 R203C and T275M) have been functionally characterized, together with a previously reported frameshift variant (DSC2 A897fsX900), to examine their pathogenic potential towards PG's functions at the ID. The three mutant proteins were transiently expressed in various cellular systems and assayed for expression, processing, localization, and binding to other desmosomal components in comparison to wild-type DSC2a protein. The two missense mutations showed defects in proteolytic cleavage, a process which is required for the functional activation of mature cadherins. In both cases, this is thought to cause a reduction of functional DSC2 at the desmosomes in cardiac cells. In contrast, the frameshift variant was incorporated into cardiac desmosomes; however, it showed reduced binding to PG.

Conclusion

Despite different modes of action, for all three variants, the reduced ability to provide a ligand for PG at the desmosomes was observed. This is in agreement with the reduced intensity of PG at these structures observed in ARVC patients.

N-cadherin is depleted from proximal tubules in experimental and human acute kidney injury

Ischemia remains the most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Decreased intercellular adhesion and alterations in adhesion molecules may contribute to the loss of renal function observed in AKI. In the present study, we evaluated the distribution of adhesion molecules in the human kidney and analyzed their expression in human and experimental AKI. Specimens of human kidneys obtained from patients with and without AKI were stained for the cell adhesion molecules E-cadherin, N-cadherin and beta-catenin. Experimental AKI in rats was induced by renal artery clamping. Immunostaining and immunoblotting were carried out for E-cadherin, N-cadherin and beta-catenin. Proximal tubule cells from opossum kidneys (OKs) were used to analyze the effect of chemical hypoxia (ATP depletion) in vitro. In the adult human kidney, N-cadherin was expressed in proximal tubules, while E-cadherin was expressed in other nephron segments. beta-Catenin was expressed in both proximal and distal tubules. In human AKI and in ischemic rat kidneys, N-cadherin immunostaining was depleted from proximal tubules. There was no change in E-cadherin or beta-catenin. In vitro, OK cells expressed N-cadherin only in the presence of collagen, and ATP depletion led to a depletion of N-cadherin. Collagen IV staining was reduced in ischemic rat kidneys compared to controls. The results of the study suggest that N-cadherin may play a significant role in human and experimental AKI.

LC3-dependent intracellular membrane tubules induced by gamma-protocadherins A3 and B2: a role for intraluminal interactions

Clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a family of cadherin-like molecules arranged in gene clusters (alpha, beta, and gamma). gamma-Protocadherins (Pcdh-gammas) are involved in cell-cell interactions, but their prominent intracellular distribution in vivo and different knock-out phenotypes suggest that these molecules participate in still unidentified processes. We found using correlative light and electron microscopy that Pcdh-gammaA3 and -gammaB2, but not -gammaC4, -alpha1, or N-cadherin, generate intracellular juxtanuclear membrane tubules when expressed in cells. These tubules recruit the autophagy marker MAP1A/1B LC3 (LC3) but are not associated with autophagic vesicles. Lipidation of LC3 is required for its coclustering with Pcdh-gamma tubules, suggesting the involvement of an autophagic-like molecular cascade. Expression of wild-type LC3 with Pcdh-gammaA3 increased tubule length whereas expression of lipidation-defective LC3 decreased tubule length relative to Pcdh-gammaA3 expressed alone. The tubules were found to emanate from lysosomes. Deletion of the luminal/extracellular domain of Pcdh-gammaA3 preserved lysosomal targeting but eliminated tubule formation whereas cytoplasmic deletion eliminated both lysosomal targeting and tubule formation. Deletion of the membrane-proximal three cadherin repeats resulted in tubes that were narrower than those produced by full-length molecules. These results suggest that Pcdh-gammaA and -gammaB families can influence the shape of intracellular membranes by mediating intraluminal interactions within organelles.

The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B is required for efficient delivery of N-cadherin to the cell surface

This work shows a novel role of PTP1B in the regulation of N-cadherin trafficking. PTP1B is required for the association of p120 to the N-cadherin precursor and this event is crucial for trafficking of the complex through the early stages of the secretory pathway.

PTP1B bound to mature N-cadherin promotes the association of β-catenin into the complex, the stable expression of the complex at cell surface, and cadherin-mediated adhesion. Here we show that PTP1B is also required for N-cadherin precursor trafficking through early stages of the secretory pathway. This function does not require association of PTP1B with the precursor. In PTP1B null cells, the N-cadherin precursor showed higher sensitivity to endoglycosidase H than in cells reconstituted with the wild-type enzyme. It also showed slower kinetics of ER-to-Golgi translocation and processing. Trafficking of the viral stomatitis vesicular glycoprotein, VSV-G, however, revealed no differences between PTP1B null and reconstituted cells. N-cadherin precursor complexes contained similar levels of α- and β-catenin regardless of PTP1B expression. In contrast, the associated p120 catenin (p120) was significantly reduced in absence of PTP1B expression. An N-cadherin precursor construct defective in p120 binding, and expressed in PTP1B reconstituted cells, showed higher sensitivity to endoglycosidase H and slower kinetics of processing than the wild-type precursor. Our results suggest that PTP1B promotes the association of p120 to the N-cadherin precursor, facilitating the trafficking of the complex from the ER to the Golgi complex.

N-cadherin prodomain cleavage regulates synapse formation in vivo

Cadherins are initially synthesized bearing a prodomain that is thought to limit adhesion during early stages of biosynthesis. Functional cadherins lack this prodomain, raising the intriguing possibility that cells may utilize prodomain cleavage as a means to temporally or spatially regulate adhesion after delivery of cadherin to the cell surface. In support of this idea, immunostaining for the prodomain of zebrafish N-cadherin revealed enriched labeling at neuronal surfaces at the soma and along axonal processes. To determine whether post-translational cleavage of the prodomain affects synapse formation, we imaged Rohon-Beard cells in zebrafish embryos expressing GFP-tagged wild-type N-cadherin (NCAD-GFP) or a GFP-tagged N-cadherin mutant expressing an uncleavable prodomain (PRON-GFP) rendering it nonadhesive. NCAD-GFP accumulated at synaptic microdomains in a developmentally regulated manner, and its overexpression transiently accelerated synapse formation. PRON-GFP was much more diffusely distributed along the axon and its overexpression delayed synapse formation. Our results support the notion that N-cadherin serves to stabilize pre- to postsynaptic contacts early in synapse development and suggests that regulated cleavage of the N-cadherin prodomain may be a mechanism by which the kinetics of synaptogenesis are regulated.

Pathogenic epitopes of autoantibodies in pemphigus reside in the amino-terminal adhesive region of desmogleins which are unmasked by proteolytic processing of prosequence

Pemphigus targets desmogleins (Dsgs), which are thought to be synthesized as inactive precursor proteins with prosequences that are cleaved by substilisin-like proprotein convertases, such as furin, to yield mature adhesive molecules. We hypothesized that some pemphigus pathogenic antibodies (Abs), which presumably interfere with adhesion, only bind the mature form. A pathogenic and three non-pathogenic anti-Dsg1 monoclonal Abs (mAbs) isolated from a pemphigus foliaceus (PF) patient, were used for immunoprecipitation and ELISA of recombinant precursor and mature Dsg1. The pathogenic Ab binds mature Dsg1, whereas non-pathogenic Abs bind either only the precursor or both the precursor and mature Dsg1. Competition ELISA showed that the majority of PF sera target the same or nearby epitopes defined by the pathogenic anti-Dsg1 mAb that blocked >20% binding of 29 out of 40 PF sera. Furthermore, the immunoreactivity of 45 PF sera against the mature Dsg1 was 3.2 fold stronger than that against the precursor Dsg1 by ELISA. Similar results were observed in anti-Dsg3 Abs in 47 pemphigus vulgaris sera, suggesting that most pemphigus sera target epitopes that are unmasked by proteolytic processing. These findings support the idea that at least some pathogenic pemphigus autoantibodies induce the loss of cell adhesion by directly binding the trans-interaction site of Dsgs.

Cadherins in development and cancer

Proper embryonic development is guaranteed under conditions of regulated cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. The cells of an embryo have to be able to distinguish their neighbours as being alike or different. Cadherins, single-pass transmembrane, Ca(2+)-dependent adhesion molecules that mainly interact in a homophilic manner, are major contributors to cell-cell adhesion. Cadherins play pivotal roles in important morphogenetic and differentiation processes during development, and in maintaining tissue integrity and homeostasis. Changes in cadherin expression throughout development enable differentiation and the formation of various organs. In addition to these functions, cadherins have strong implications in tumourigenesis, since frequently tumour cells show deregulated cadherin expression and inappropriate switching among family members. In this review, I focus on E- and N-cadherin, giving an overview of their structure, cellular function, importance during development, role in cancer, and of the complexity of Ecadherin gene regulation.

Sequence and structural determinants of strand swapping in cadherin domains: do all cadherins bind through the same adhesive interface?

Cadherins are cell surface adhesion proteins important for tissue development and integrity. Type I and type II, or classical, cadherins form adhesive dimers via an interface formed through the exchange, or "swapping", of the N-terminal beta-strands from their membrane-distal EC1 domains. Here, we ask which sequence and structural features in EC1 domains are responsible for beta-strand swapping and whether members of other cadherin families form similar strand-swapped binding interfaces. We created a comprehensive database of multiple alignments of each type of cadherin domain. We used the known three-dimensional structures of classical cadherins to identify conserved positions in multiple sequence alignments that appear to be crucial determinants of the cadherin domain structure. We identified features that are unique to EC1 domains. On the basis of our analysis, we conclude that all cadherin domains have very similar overall folds but, with the exception of classical and desmosomal cadherin EC1 domains, most of them do not appear to bind through a strand-swapping mechanism. Thus, non-classical cadherins that function in adhesion are likely to use different protein-protein interaction interfaces. Our results have implications for the evolution of molecular mechanisms of cadherin-mediated adhesion in vertebrates.

The crystal structure of human E-cadherin domains 1 and 2, and comparison with other cadherins in the context of adhesion mechanism

Cell adhesion mediated by type I cadherins involves homophilic "trans" interactions that are thought to be brought about by a strand exchange mechanism involving the N-terminal extracellular domain. Here, we present the high-resolution crystal structure of the N-terminal two domains of human E-cadherin. Comparison of this structure with other type I cadherin structures reveals features that are likely to be critical to facilitate dimerization by strand exchange as well as dimer flexibility. We integrate this structural knowledge to provide a model for type I cadherin adhesive interactions. Intra-molecular docking of the conserved N-terminal "adhesion arm" into the acceptor pocket in monomeric E-cadherin appears largely identical to inter-molecular docking of the adhesion arm in adhesive trans dimers. A strained conformation of the adhesion arm in the monomer, however, may create an equilibrium between "open" and "closed" forms that primes the cadherin for formation of adhesive interactions, which are then stabilized by additional dimer-specific contacts. By contrast, in type II cadherins, strain in the adhesion arm appears absent and a much larger surface area is involved in trans adhesion, which may compensate the activation energy required to peel off the intra-molecularly docked arm. It seems that evolution has selected slightly different adhesion mechanisms for type I and type II cadherins.

Calcium site mutations in cadherin: impact on adhesion and evidence of cooperativity

This work describes quantitative force and bead aggregation measurements of the adhesion and binding mechanisms of canine E-cadherin mutants W2A, D134A, D103A, D216A, D325A, and D436A. The W2A mutation affects the formation of the N-terminal strand dimer, and the remaining mutations target calcium binding sites at the interdomain junctions. Surface force measurements show that the full ectodomain of canine E-cadherin forms two bound states that span two intermembrane gap distances. The outer bond coincides with adhesion between the N-terminal extracellular domains (EC1) and the inner bond corresponds to adhesion via extracellular domain 3 (EC3). The W2A, D103A, D134A, and D216A mutations all eliminated adhesion between the N-terminal domains, and they attenuated or nearly eliminated the inner bond. The W2A mutant, which does not destabilize the protein structure, attenuates binding via EC3, which is separated from the mutation by several hundred amino acids. This long-range effect suggests that the presence or absence of tryptophan-2 docking allosterically alters the adhesive function of distal sites on the protein. This finding appears to reconcile the multidomain binding mechanism with mutagenesis studies, which suggested that W2 is the sole binding interface. The effects of the calcium site mutations indicate that structural perturbations cooperatively impact large regions of the protein structure. However, the influence of the calcium sites on cadherin structure and function depends on their location in the protein.

Cadherin adhesion depends on a salt bridge at the N-terminus

There is now considerable evidence that cell adhesion by cadherins requires a strand exchange process in which the second amino acid at the N-terminus of the cadherin molecule, Trp2, docks into a hydrophobic pocket in the domain fold of the opposing cadherin. Here we show that strand exchange depends on a salt bridge formed between the N-terminal amino group of one cadherin molecule and the acidic side chain of Glu89 of the other. Prevention of this bond in N-cadherin by introducing the mutation Glu89Ala or by extending the N-terminus with additional amino acids strongly inhibited strand exchange. But when the two modifications were present in opposing cadherin molecules respectively, they acted in a complementary manner, lowering activation energy for strand exchange and greatly increasing the strength of the adhesive interaction. N-cadherin that retained an uncleaved prodomain or lacked Trp2 adhered strongly to the Glu89Ala mutant but not to wild-type molecules. Similarly, N-cadherin in which the hydrophobic acceptor pocket was blocked by an isoleucine side chain adhered to a partner that had an extended N-terminus. We explain these results in terms of the free energy changes that accompany strand exchange. Our findings provide new insight into the mechanism of adhesion and demonstrate the feasibility of greatly increasing cadherin affinity.