Sejtadhesiót

Sejtadhesiót refers to the process by which cells adhere to one another or to the extracellular matrix. This adhesion is crucial for the formation and maintenance of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms. It also plays a vital role in cell signaling, cell migration, and immune responses.

The molecular mechanisms underlying cell adhesion are complex and involve a variety of cell surface molecules, collectively known as adhesion molecules. These molecules can be broadly classified into several families, including cadherins, integrins, selectins, and the immunoglobulin superfamily. Cadherins are calcium-dependent adhesion proteins that mediate homophilic binding, meaning they preferentially bind to the same type of cadherin on adjacent cells. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins that connect the cell's cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, mediating cell-matrix adhesion. Selectins are involved in the initial adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells during inflammation. The immunoglobulin superfamily includes proteins like ICAMs and NCAMs, which are involved in cell-cell recognition and adhesion in various contexts, including immune cell interactions.

Disruptions in cell adhesion can lead to a range of pathological conditions. For instance, loss of cell adhesion is a hallmark of cancer, contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. Defective cell adhesion can also underlie developmental disorders and autoimmune diseases. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of cell adhesion is therefore essential for developing therapeutic strategies for these conditions.