cell-cell adhesion mediated by integrin

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The attachment of one cell to another cell via an integrin, a heterodimeric adhesion receptor formed by the non-covalent association of particular alpha and beta subunits. [GOC:add, PMID:12213832, PMID:14754902]

Cell-cell adhesion mediated by integrins is a fundamental process in multicellular organisms, enabling cells to interact and form tissues and organs. Integrins, transmembrane receptors, play a crucial role in this process by acting as bridges between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the intracellular cytoskeleton.

**1. Ligand Binding:**
* Integrins bind to specific ligands on the surface of other cells or the ECM. These ligands can include proteins like cadherins, immunoglobulin superfamily members, and ECM components like fibronectin, collagen, and laminin.

**2. Conformational Changes:**
* Upon ligand binding, integrins undergo conformational changes, transitioning from a low-affinity state to a high-affinity state. This change involves a shift in the extracellular domain, exposing the binding site for intracellular signaling molecules.

**3. Clustering and Adhesion:**
* Multiple integrin molecules can cluster together at sites of cell-cell adhesion. This clustering is facilitated by interactions with other cell adhesion molecules, such as cadherins.
* The clustering of integrins strengthens the adhesive bond between cells, leading to stable cell-cell contact.

**4. Intracellular Signaling:**
* Integrin activation triggers intracellular signaling pathways. The cytoplasmic tails of integrins interact with various adaptor proteins and signaling molecules, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the Src family kinases.
* These signaling pathways regulate cellular processes such as cytoskeletal reorganization, cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation.

**5. Force Transmission:**
* Integrins are involved in force transmission between the ECM and the cell. This force can be generated by cellular contractile machinery, such as actin filaments, and is essential for cell migration, tissue morphogenesis, and wound healing.

**6. Cell-Cell Communication:**
* Integrin-mediated cell-cell adhesion also facilitates cell-cell communication. The clustering of integrins and associated signaling molecules can create signaling complexes that regulate gene expression and other cellular functions.

In summary, integrin-mediated cell-cell adhesion is a complex and dynamic process involving ligand binding, conformational changes, clustering, intracellular signaling, force transmission, and cell-cell communication. This process is essential for the formation, organization, and function of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms.'
"

Proteins (5)

Compounds (26)