CDH16

CDH16 is a gene that in humans encodes the cadherin 16 protein. Cadherins are calcium-dependent cell adhesion proteins. They preferentially interact with themselves in a homophilic manner in connecting cells; cadherins may thus contribute to the sorting of heterogeneous cell types. This gene is a type-II classical cadherin from the cadherin superfamily of 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. This particular cadherin is expressed specifically in the kidney and is believed to play a role in the morphological organization of kidney cells during its development.

Function

The CDH16 gene encodes a type-II classical cadherin from the cadherin superfamily, integral membrane proteins that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. Cadherin 16 is expressed specifically in the kidney and is believed to play a role in the morphological organization of kidney cells during development.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the CDH16 gene have been associated with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). This condition is characterized by a range of developmental abnormalities of the kidneys and the urinary tract that can lead to diverse outcomes such as renal dysplasia, hydronephrosis, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and vesicoureteral reflux.

See also

• Cadherin
• Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract

References

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External links

• CDH16 at the National Center for Biotechnology Information