Zelladhäsionen

Zelladhäsionen, also known as cell adhesion, refers to the process by which cells interact and attach to each other or to the extracellular matrix. This phenomenon is fundamental to the formation and maintenance of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms. It plays a critical role in a wide range of biological processes, including embryonic development, wound healing, immune responses, and the prevention of pathogen entry.

The molecular mechanisms underlying cell adhesion involve a complex interplay of specialized proteins, known as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). These molecules are typically found on the surface of cells and can mediate both homophilic adhesion (binding to identical molecules on neighboring cells) and heterophilic adhesion (binding to different molecules on other cells). CAMs are categorized into several superfamilies, including cadherins, integrins, selectins, and immunoglobulin superfamily CAMs.

Cadherins are calcium-dependent adhesion molecules that are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and are involved in cell-cell recognition. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, and they also play a role in cell-cell interactions. Selectins are involved in transient cell adhesion, particularly in the immune system, mediating the rolling of leukocytes along the vascular endothelium. Immunoglobulin superfamily CAMs are a diverse group involved in various adhesion processes, including immune cell interactions and neural development.

Dysregulation of cell adhesion is implicated in numerous pathological conditions, such as cancer metastasis, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of cell adhesion is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to target these diseases.