cell adhesion mediator activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

The binding by a cell-adhesion protein on a cell surface to an adhesion molecule on another cell surface or an external substrate, to mediate adhesion of the cell to the external substrate or to another cell. [GOC:vw, Wikipedia:Cell_adhesion]

Cell adhesion mediator activity refers to the molecular function of proteins and other molecules that facilitate the attachment of cells to each other or to the extracellular matrix (ECM). These molecules play a crucial role in maintaining tissue integrity, cell signaling, and various biological processes. Cell adhesion mediators can act through various mechanisms, including:

1. **Direct interactions**: Some mediators directly bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, promoting cell-cell or cell-ECM adhesion. For example, cadherins and integrins are transmembrane proteins that mediate cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion, respectively.

2. **Indirect interactions**: Other mediators act indirectly by bridging between cells or between cells and the ECM. For example, certain extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin and laminin, bind to integrins on the cell surface, contributing to cell adhesion.

3. **Signal transduction**: Cell adhesion mediators often play a role in signal transduction pathways, transmitting information across cell membranes. This allows cells to respond to changes in their environment and coordinate their behavior.

4. **Regulation of cell behavior**: Cell adhesion mediators can influence various cellular processes, including cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Cell adhesion mediator activity is essential for numerous biological processes, including:

- **Tissue development and morphogenesis**: Cell adhesion molecules are critical for the formation and organization of tissues and organs during embryonic development.

- **Wound healing**: Cell adhesion molecules are involved in the migration and proliferation of cells during wound healing.

- **Immune response**: Cell adhesion molecules play a role in the recruitment and activation of immune cells during inflammation and infection.

- **Cancer metastasis**: Dysregulation of cell adhesion can contribute to the spread of cancer cells.

- **Nervous system function**: Cell adhesion molecules are essential for the formation and maintenance of synapses, the junctions between neurons.

In summary, cell adhesion mediator activity encompasses a diverse range of molecular functions that are essential for maintaining tissue integrity, regulating cell behavior, and facilitating various biological processes.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (4)