Cellcelladhesioner

Cellcelladhesioner is a term sometimes used to describe any protein that mediates adhesion between neighboring cells. In standard biology, these proteins are called cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). CAMs form the adhesive and signaling framework of tissues, enabling cells to bind to each other, organize cellular architecture, and communicate through contact-dependent signals.

CAMs encompass several families. Classical cadherins, such as E-cadherin and N-cadherin, require calcium and engage in homophilic binding to promote strong, intercellular adhesion. Desmosomal cadherins reinforce tissue strength by linking to intermediate filaments. The immunoglobulin superfamily of CAMs includes NCAM and ICAMs, providing diverse homophilic and heterophilic interactions involved in neural development and immune responses. Selectins mediate transient, carbohydrate-dependent interactions that help leukocytes roll along and exit blood vessels, a step in inflammatory trafficking.

Many CAMs also participate in signaling. Cadherins connect to the actin cytoskeleton via catenins, influencing cell shape and movement; IgSF CAMs recruit kinases and adaptors that modulate intracellular pathways. Gap junction proteins (connexins) form channels that enable direct cytoplasmic exchange between cells, complementing adhesion with functional communication.

Functionally, CAMs guide tissue morphogenesis, maintain tissue integrity, and regulate wound healing. Altered CAM expression or function is associated with developmental disorders, chronic inflammation, and cancer progression, including metastasis when adhesion is reduced or misregulated.

Regulation of CAM activity occurs at transcriptional, post-translational, and proteolytic levels, allowing dynamic remodeling during development and in response to injury. The CAMs are evolutionarily conserved across metazoans and have diversified to support the complexity of multicellular tissues.