Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.30.274647v1?rss=1 Authors: Senoo, A., Ito, S., Nagatoishi, S., Saito, Y., Ueno, G., Yoshida, K., Tashima, T., Kudo, S., Sando, S., Tsumoto, K. Abstract: Many cadherin family proteins are associated with diseases such as cancer. Since cell adhesion requires homodimerization of cadherin molecules, a small-molecule regulator of dimerization would have therapeutic potential. Herein, we describe identification of a P-cadherin-specific chemical fragment that inhibits P-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. Although the identified molecule is a fragment compound, it binds to a cavity of P-cadherin that has not previously been targeted, indirectly prevents formation of hydrogen bonds necessary for formation of an intermediate called the X dimer and thus modulates the on-rate of X dimerization. Our findings will impact on a strategy for kinetic regulation of protein-protein interactions and stepwise assembly of protein complexes using small molecules. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info