heterotypic cell-cell adhesion

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The attachment of a cell to a cell of a different type via adhesion molecules. [GOC:add]

Heterotypic cell-cell adhesion is a fundamental biological process that involves the interaction between cells of different types. This interaction is mediated by specialized cell-surface molecules called cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). CAMs can be categorized based on their structure and function. The primary types of CAMs involved in heterotypic cell-cell adhesion are:

1. **Cadherins:** These are calcium-dependent transmembrane proteins that mediate strong adhesion between cells. They form adherens junctions, which are critical for maintaining cell-cell contact and tissue integrity. Cadherins exhibit specificity in their interactions, meaning that certain cadherins preferentially bind to other specific cadherins. For instance, E-cadherin, a key player in epithelial cell adhesion, binds to other E-cadherin molecules, while N-cadherin, prevalent in neural tissues, interacts with other N-cadherin molecules.

2. **Integrins:** These are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins composed of alpha and beta subunits. They play a role in cell-matrix adhesion but also contribute to cell-cell interactions. Integrins bind to extracellular matrix components like collagen, fibronectin, and laminin, but they can also interact with other cell surface receptors, including cadherins, to mediate heterotypic adhesion.

3. **Immunoglobulin Superfamily (IgSF) CAMs:** This diverse family of CAMs contains a characteristic immunoglobulin-like domain, which is involved in cell-cell recognition. IgSF CAMs exhibit a wide range of functions in cell adhesion, immune recognition, and neuronal development. Examples of IgSF CAMs involved in heterotypic adhesion include NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule) and L1 CAM (L1 cell adhesion molecule).

4. **Selectins:** These transmembrane proteins are involved in the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, a process crucial for immune response. Selectins bind to specific carbohydrate ligands on target cells, mediating transient interactions that facilitate leukocyte rolling, tethering, and subsequent migration across the endothelium.

The process of heterotypic cell-cell adhesion involves several steps:

1. **Recognition:** Cells expressing different CAMs on their surfaces come into contact. The CAMs on the two cell types recognize each other through specific binding interactions.

2. **Adhesion:** Once the CAMs have recognized each other, they bind tightly, forming a stable adhesive junction. This junction can be either transient or long-lasting depending on the type of CAMs involved and the cellular context.

3. **Signaling:** The formation of adhesive junctions triggers intracellular signaling pathways that regulate various cellular processes, including cell shape, motility, differentiation, and gene expression.

4. **Regulation:** Heterotypic cell-cell adhesion is a dynamic process that is tightly regulated. Cells can modulate the expression of specific CAMs, alter their affinity for binding partners, and modify the structure of adhesive junctions in response to external cues or internal signals.

Heterotypic cell-cell adhesion is essential for a wide range of biological processes, including tissue formation, development, immune response, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Disruptions in this process can lead to various pathological conditions.'
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Proteins (10)

Compounds (648)