CDON (Cell Adhesion Molecule-Related/Down-Regulated by Oncogenes) is a transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, primarily involved in cell-cell adhesion and signaling processes. It plays a critical role during embryonic development, particularly in tissue patterning, neurite outgrowth, and myogenesis. CDON acts as a receptor or co-receptor in the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, interacting with ligands like Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) to regulate cell differentiation and proliferation. Studies have linked CDON mutations to congenital disorders such as holoprosencephaly, highlighting its importance in craniofacial and neural development.
In cancer, CDON exhibits context-dependent roles. While initially identified as a tumor suppressor due to its downregulation in certain malignancies, recent evidence suggests it may also promote tumor progression in specific contexts. CDON antibodies are essential tools for investigating these dual roles, enabling researchers to detect protein expression, localization, and interaction partners via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, or co-immunoprecipitation. Such studies contribute to understanding CDON's involvement in developmental defects, cancer biology, and potential therapeutic targeting. However, its functional complexity warrants further research to clarify context-specific mechanisms and therapeutic applicability.