Sejtadhéziós

Sejtadhézió, or cell adhesion, refers to the process by which cells interact and attach to one another or to the extracellular matrix. This phenomenon is fundamental to the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms, playing critical roles in tissue formation, immune response, and wound healing.

The molecular mechanisms underlying cell adhesion involve specialized proteins located on the cell surface. These proteins, known as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), can mediate either homophilic binding (cells of the same type sticking together) or heterophilic binding (cells of different types attaching). Key families of CAMs include cadherins, selectins, integrins, and the immunoglobulin superfamily.

Cadherins are crucial for maintaining tissue integrity and are often involved in calcium-dependent adhesion. Selectins are primarily involved in the transient adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelial cells of blood vessels, a process vital for immune surveillance and inflammation. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that link the extracellular matrix to the cell's cytoskeleton, mediating cell-matrix adhesion and transmitting signals into the cell. The immunoglobulin superfamily includes a diverse group of CAMs that can mediate both homophilic and heterophilic interactions.

Disruptions in cell adhesion can lead to various pathological conditions. For instance, loss of cell adhesion is a hallmark of cancer, contributing to tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Conversely, abnormal cell adhesion can also cause autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders. Understanding the intricacies of cell adhesion is therefore essential for developing therapeutic strategies for a wide range of diseases.