positive regulation of cell adhesion

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of cell adhesion. [GOC:go_curators]

Positive regulation of cell adhesion is a crucial biological process that controls the dynamic interactions between cells and their surrounding environment. It involves a complex interplay of molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation, strengthening, and weakening of cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions. These adhesions are essential for maintaining tissue integrity, mediating cellular communication, coordinating cell migration, and facilitating tissue development and repair.

The process of positive regulation of cell adhesion involves a cascade of events, including:

1. **Signal Reception:** Cell adhesion is often initiated by external signals, such as growth factors, cytokines, or mechanical cues. These signals activate signaling pathways within the cell, leading to changes in gene expression and protein activity.

2. **Transcriptional Regulation:** Activated signaling pathways can induce the transcription of genes encoding for adhesion molecules, such as integrins, cadherins, and selectins. These molecules are responsible for mediating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

3. **Protein Synthesis and Trafficking:** The newly synthesized adhesion molecules are trafficked to the cell surface. This process involves transport through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus, where they undergo modifications and maturation.

4. **Assembly of Adhesion Complexes:** Adhesion molecules, upon reaching the cell surface, interact with other proteins to form complex adhesion structures. These complexes can include:
* **Focal adhesions:** Form at the interface between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), primarily involving integrins.
* **Adherens junctions:** Mediate cell-cell adhesion, primarily involving cadherins.
* **Tight junctions:** Form tight seals between cells, regulating the passage of molecules.

5. **Regulation of Adhesion Strength:** The strength of cell adhesions can be dynamically regulated. Factors that influence adhesion strength include:
* **Binding affinity:** The strength of interaction between adhesion molecules and their ligands.
* **Clustering of adhesion molecules:** Increased clustering of adhesion molecules leads to stronger adhesions.
* **Cytoskeletal organization:** The actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in stabilizing and reinforcing cell adhesions.

6. **Signal Transduction:** Cell adhesion is not just a passive process; it actively transmits signals into the cell. These signals can regulate various cellular functions, such as:
* **Cell growth and proliferation:** Adhesion can stimulate or inhibit cell growth depending on the context.
* **Cell differentiation:** Adhesion can influence cell fate and differentiation.
* **Cell survival:** Adhesion can promote or inhibit cell survival, depending on the signaling pathway activated.

7. **Remodeling and Degradation:** Cell adhesions are not static structures. They can be remodeled or degraded in response to changing environmental conditions. This process involves the activation of specific enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down the ECM and adhesion molecules.

Overall, positive regulation of cell adhesion is a finely tuned and dynamic process that is essential for maintaining tissue integrity, regulating cellular communication, and facilitating tissue development and repair. Disruptions in this process can contribute to various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and developmental disorders.'
"

Proteins (21)

Compounds (523)