positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that activates or increases the rate or extent of cell adhesion to another cell. [GOC:isa_complete]

Positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion is a complex biological process that involves the coordination of various molecular interactions to strengthen and maintain connections between cells. This process is essential for tissue development, morphogenesis, and the proper functioning of multicellular organisms.

At the molecular level, cell-cell adhesion is primarily mediated by cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) which are transmembrane proteins that bind to complementary molecules on adjacent cells. These CAMs can be classified into several families based on their structure and function:

* **Cadherins:** These calcium-dependent transmembrane proteins mediate cell-cell adhesion by forming strong, adherens junctions. They are particularly important in epithelial tissues and play a crucial role in morphogenesis and tissue integrity.
* **Integrins:** These heterodimeric transmembrane proteins bind to extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen and laminin, and can also interact with other cell surface molecules. They play a crucial role in cell migration, adhesion, and signaling.
* **Immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) CAMs:** This diverse group of CAMs shares a characteristic immunoglobulin-like domain structure and can mediate both homophilic (binding to the same type of molecule) and heterophilic (binding to different types of molecules) interactions.
* **Selectins:** These calcium-dependent lectins bind to carbohydrate moieties on the surface of other cells. They are particularly important in immune responses and inflammation.

**Positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion** involves a multitude of molecular mechanisms that enhance the formation and stability of cell-cell contacts. This can be achieved by:

* **Up-regulating the expression of CAMs:** Transcriptional and translational regulation of CAM genes can increase the abundance of these molecules on the cell surface, thereby strengthening cell-cell adhesion.
* **Modifying CAM activity:** Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation or glycosylation, can alter the affinity of CAMs for their binding partners, enhancing their adhesive function.
* **Recruiting adaptor proteins:** Many CAMs interact with intracellular adaptor proteins that link them to the cytoskeleton, providing mechanical strength to cell-cell junctions and facilitating signaling pathways.
* **Regulating intracellular signaling pathways:** Signals from cell-cell interactions can activate downstream signaling pathways that ultimately modulate the expression and activity of CAMs and other adhesion-related molecules.

**Several factors can influence the positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion:**

* **Extracellular cues:** Signals from the extracellular environment, such as growth factors, cytokines, and ECM components, can trigger changes in the expression and activity of CAMs, promoting cell-cell adhesion.
* **Mechanical forces:** Physical forces, such as tension and compression, can also regulate cell-cell adhesion. These forces can induce conformational changes in CAMs and influence their binding properties.
* **Cell type and developmental stage:** The specific CAMs and signaling pathways involved in cell-cell adhesion vary depending on the cell type and developmental stage of the organism.

**Dysregulation of positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion can lead to a range of pathological conditions, including:**

* **Cancer metastasis:** Loss of cell-cell adhesion can allow cancer cells to detach from the primary tumor and spread to distant sites.
* **Developmental defects:** Defective cell-cell adhesion during embryogenesis can lead to malformations and organ defects.
* **Inflammation and autoimmune diseases:** Disrupted cell-cell adhesion can contribute to inflammatory responses and the development of autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion is a critical process that is essential for the development and function of multicellular organisms. It involves a complex interplay of molecular interactions and signaling events that ensure the proper formation and stability of cell-cell junctions.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (12)