Cellvidhäftning

Cellvidhäftning, often translated as cell adhesion, refers to the process by which cells interact and attach to one another or to their surrounding extracellular matrix. This phenomenon is fundamental to the organization and function of multicellular organisms. It plays a crucial role in tissue formation, development, wound healing, and the immune response.

The mechanisms of cell adhesion are diverse and involve specialized molecules on the cell surface. These molecules, known as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), can mediate homophilic binding, where cells of the same type bind to each other, or heterophilic binding, where cells of different types or cells bind to the extracellular matrix. Key families of CAMs include cadherins, integrins, selectins, and the immunoglobulin superfamily.

Cadherins are calcium-dependent molecules that often mediate strong cell-to-cell junctions, forming adherens junctions and desmosomes, which provide structural integrity to tissues. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that link the cell's cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, facilitating cell migration and signaling. Selectins are involved in the transient adhesion of white blood cells to the endothelium, a process vital for immune cell trafficking. The immunoglobulin superfamily CAMs, such as ICAMs and NCAMs, participate in a variety of cell-cell interactions, including immune cell recognition and neuronal development.

Disruptions in cell adhesion can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer, where reduced adhesion can contribute to metastasis, and inflammatory conditions. Understanding cell adhesion is therefore critical for developing therapies for these and other health issues.