A report via ScienceDaily describes a second function for E-cadherin, the protein that binds epithelial cells together, in clearing dead cells from tissue.
Researchers report that E-cadherin, long known as the adhesive protein that holds epithelial cells together, also helps these cells engulf nearby dead or dying cells, according to a study covered by ScienceDaily. The team describes this as a previously unrecognised role for a protein mainly studied for its structural job in tissues.
The scientists observed living zebrafish and mouse embryos under the microscope and watched epithelial cells change the shape of their lower surface to wrap around and absorb cellular debris, while the upper surface of the same cells stayed flat and intact, preserving the tissue barrier above.
The study is described as preliminary in scope: it was carried out in embryonic animal models, and the authors reportedly flag that it remains to be shown whether this debris-clearing function of E-cadherin also operates in adult tissues or in human epithelia specifically.
For researchers and clinicians working on epithelial biology, wound healing or barrier tissues, the finding suggests that proteins already assumed to be well understood, such as E-cadherin, may still carry out additional, unstudied functions. It is a reminder to re-examine familiar molecules rather than assume their role is fully mapped.
Based on reporting by ScienceDaily
The “glue” holding your cells together has a surprising second job, 2026-10-05. The Gufo links to the report and does not reproduce it.
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