celladhesive

Celladhesive refers to a class of proteins that mediate cell-cell adhesion, a crucial process in tissue development, maintenance, and repair. These proteins play a vital role in various biological processes, including cell migration, differentiation, and signaling. Celladhesives are typically classified into three main categories based on their structure and function: cadherins, selectins, and integrins.

Cadherins are the most well-known celladhesives, forming adherens junctions that anchor cells to each other. They are characterized by their extracellular domain, which contains a characteristic calcium-binding motif. Selectins, on the other hand, are involved in the initial stages of cell adhesion, particularly in immune responses and inflammation. They recognize specific carbohydrate ligands on the surface of other cells. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins that link the extracellular matrix to the actin cytoskeleton, facilitating cell adhesion to the extracellular environment.

Celladhesives are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and function. Dysregulation of celladhesive proteins has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and developmental abnormalities. For instance, the loss of E-cadherin, a cadherin protein, is often associated with cancer metastasis. Understanding the role of celladhesives in health and disease is an active area of research, with potential implications for the development of new therapeutic strategies.