Weefseladhesie

Weefseladhesie, also known as tissue adhesion, refers to the process by which cells or tissues stick to each other or to other surfaces. This phenomenon is fundamental to many biological processes, including embryonic development, wound healing, and immune responses. In normal physiological conditions, cell adhesion is tightly regulated, ensuring proper tissue structure and function.

Cell adhesion is mediated by specialized molecules called cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). These molecules are typically transmembrane proteins found on the cell surface that can bind to similar molecules on other cells (homophilic binding) or to different molecules on other cells or the extracellular matrix (heterophilic binding). Major families of CAMs include cadherins, integrins, selectins, and the immunoglobulin superfamily.

Disruptions in normal tissue adhesion can lead to various pathological conditions. For instance, a loss of adhesion can cause cells to detach and spread, a key step in cancer metastasis. Conversely, excessive or inappropriate adhesion can contribute to fibrosis, where scar tissue builds up, or to autoimmune diseases, where immune cells inappropriately adhere to healthy tissues. The study of tissue adhesion is crucial for understanding these processes and developing therapeutic strategies for related diseases.