T-cadherin as a novel receptor regulating metabolism in the blood vessel and heart cells: from structure to function

The review discusses structural features of T-cadherin (T-cad) that allow it to perform functions other than cell-cell adhesion. T-cad is a receptor of the significant metabolic components, low-density lipoproteins and high-molecular-weight adiponectin. Association of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases with the T-cad gene polymorphism, as well as predominant T-cad expression in the cardiovascular system, cardioprotection and ischemic limb revascularization, depending on T-cad interaction with adiponectin, suggest a major role of this receptor in vascular and cardiac cell functioning. Possible mechanisms of T-cad-mediated regulation of metabolic processes are discussed.