sejtadhéziót

Sejtadhézió, also known as cell adhesion, is the process by which cells interact and attach to one another and to their surrounding extracellular matrix. This fundamental biological mechanism is crucial for a wide range of cellular and organismal functions, including tissue formation, embryonic development, immune responses, and wound healing. The strength and specificity of cell adhesion are mediated by a variety of cell surface molecules, collectively termed cell adhesion molecules (CAMs).

CAMs can be broadly categorized into several superfamilies, such as cadherins, integrins, selectins, and the immunoglobulin superfamily. Cadherins are calcium-dependent adhesion molecules primarily involved in cell-cell adhesion, forming adherens junctions that link cells together in epithelial and other tissues. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and also play a role in cell-cell interactions. They bind to ligands in the extracellular matrix, such as collagen and fibronectin, and transmit signals into the cell, influencing cell behavior. Selectins are involved in the initial stages of cell adhesion, particularly in the context of inflammation and immune cell trafficking, mediating transient interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells. The immunoglobulin superfamily comprises a diverse group of molecules that mediate both homophilic (binding to identical molecules on other cells) and heterophilic (binding to different molecules) cell adhesion.

Disruptions in normal cell adhesion processes can lead to various pathological conditions, including cancer metastasis, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Conversely, understanding and manipulating cell adhesion mechanisms holds significant therapeutic potential for treating these diseases. For instance, targeting cell adhesion molecules is a strategy being explored in cancer therapy to inhibit tumor cell spread.