Cadherin-11

Cadherin-11 is a type II cadherin which mediates cell-to-cell homophilic interactions. Cadherin-11 is mainly expressed on mesenchymal cells and is essential for tissue migration and organization during embryogenesis, while its expression on epithelial cancer cells is implicated in tumor progression and metastasis suggesting a potential role in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenomenon. Expression of this particular cadherin in osteoblastic cell lines, and its upregulation during differentiation, suggests a specific function in bone development and maintenance. In addition, cadherin-11 has been shown to increase the invasive capacity of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes (FLS) and consequently be involved in the formation of the rheumatoid pannus.