Adhesiomolekyylejä

Adhesiomolekyylejä, also known as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), are proteins found on the surface of cells that play a crucial role in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. These interactions are fundamental for a wide range of biological processes, including tissue formation, immune response, wound healing, and the development of the nervous system. CAMs mediate adhesion by binding to other CAMs on adjacent cells or to components of the extracellular matrix. This binding can be homophilic, where the same type of molecule binds to itself, or heterophilic, where different types of molecules bind to each other.

There are several major families of CAMs, each with distinct structures and functions. The immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) CAMs, such as ICAMs and NCAMs, are involved in immune cell trafficking and neuronal development. Cadherins are a large family of calcium-dependent CAMs that are essential for forming stable cell-cell junctions, particularly in epithelial and neural tissues. Selectins are another important family, mediating transient interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells during inflammation. Integrins, while often considered part of the extracellular matrix-cell adhesion machinery, also function as CAMs, linking the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix and facilitating cell migration and signaling. The proper functioning of these adhesion molecules is vital for maintaining tissue integrity and coordinating cellular activities. Dysregulation of CAMs can contribute to various diseases, including cancer metastasis, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions.