cadherin

Pronunciation: kad-hēr′-in

Definition: One of a class of integral-membrane glycoproteins that has a role in cell-cell adhesion and is important in morphogenesis and differentiation; E-cadherin is also known as uvomorulin and is concentrated in the belt desmosome in epithelial cells; N-cadherin is found in nerve, muscle, and lens cells and helps maintain the integrity of neuronal aggregates; P-cadherin is expressed in placental and epidermal cells. All are calcium-binding proteins.

[cell + adhere + -in]

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