Cadherin–catenin complex in learning and memory

<p><a href="/facts/Long-term_potentiation/AbuJmBeo">Long-term potentiation</a> (LTP), thought to be the cellular basis for learning and memory, involves a specific signal transmission process that underlies synaptic plasticity.
Among the many mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of synaptic plasticity is the <a href="/facts/Cadherin/0ygo2PRB">cadherin</a>–<a href="/facts/Catenin/D6WRFkCc">catenin</a> complex.
By forming complexes with intracellular <a href="/facts/Catenin/D6WRFkCc">catenin</a> proteins, neural cadherins (<a href="/facts/N-cadherin/K93GctJB">N-cadherins</a>) serve as a link between synaptic activity and <a href="/facts/Synaptic_plasticity/rdVFxItN">synaptic plasticity</a>, and play important roles in the processes of learning and memory.
</p><p>N-cadherins are believed to be involved in mediating LTP and the synaptic changes underlying learning and memory. During embryonic development, <a href="/facts/Cadherins/0ygo2PRB">cadherins</a> are initially widely distributed, but they become gradually more localized to pre- and post-synaptic sites while <a href="/facts/Synapses/vdMRJCUn">synapses</a> are being formed.  Blocking cadherin function with specific proteins does not affect basal synaptic properties, but it can impair the induction of LTP.
</p>

Cadherin–catenin complex in learning and memory open-in-new

Cadherin–catenin complex in learning and memory