N-Cadherin — A Potential Target for Psychopharmacology

Abstract

Glycoprotein N-cadherin (Neuronal cadherin) belongs to the family of calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules, representing a key element that carries out intercellular contacts in brain neurons. However, it is involved not only in the mechanical connection of neurons, but also influences the specifics of the further development and functional state of the neuron. This is due to the active interaction of N-cadherin with many proteins at the pre- and post-synapse, initiating a cascade of reactions that provide such processes as long-term potentiation (underlying learning and memory), morphogenesis, neuronal recognition, activation of receptors (NMDA and AMPA types), regulation of cytoskeleton formation. This polyfunctionality is necessary for specific neurons to connect to each other in a certain way, and such adhesion leads to the coordination of cell behavior through intercellular signaling and spatio–temporal control of differential gene expression. Mutations in the genes responsible for the expression of N-cadherin lead to various disorders of the functional activity of the synapse and the processes of spatial orientation and memory. Thus, involvement in important neuroplastic processes regulating cognitive functions and behavior determines interest in studying the effect of drugs on N-cadherin. In particular, N-cadherin deserves closer consideration by pharmacologists as a potential target in the mechanism of action of various psychoactive substances.