Abstract
We have determined the entire coding sequences for two novel cadherin-related molecules, termed protocadherins by molecular cloning. The overall structure is similar to that of typical cadherins, but they have unique features as well. Interestingly, the new molecules share many properties with the fat gene product of Drosophila. The molecules were expressed mainly in the nervous system and their expression was developmentally regulated. Many cDNAs with similar properties were isolated from human, rat, mouse, Xenopus, Drosophila and C. elegans, suggesting that similar moiecules are widely expressed in various organisms. These molecules may play an important role, especially in the central narvous system.
