Focal adhesion: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

← Older editNewer edit →
CSV import
CSV import
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:Focaladhesiondetail.jpg|thumb]] [[File:cellmatadhes.png|thumb]] Focal Adhesion


Focal adhesions are complex multi-protein structures that form mechanical links between intracellular actin filaments and the extracellular matrix (ECM). They play a crucial role in cellular processes such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and signal transduction.
{{Infobox medical condition
| name = Focal adhesion
| image =
| caption =
| field = Cell biology
}}
 
'''Focal adhesions''' are complex assemblies of proteins that form at the cell membrane, providing a structural link between the [[extracellular matrix]] (ECM) and the [[cytoskeleton]] of a cell. These structures play a crucial role in [[cell adhesion]], [[signal transduction]], and the regulation of [[cell migration]].


==Structure==
==Structure==
Focal adhesions are composed of clusters of proteins that include integrins, which are transmembrane receptors that mediate the attachment between a cell and its surroundings. The intracellular side of integrins is linked to the actin cytoskeleton through a variety of adaptor proteins such as talin, vinculin, and paxillin.
Focal adhesions are composed of clusters of [[integrins]], which are transmembrane receptors that mediate the attachment between a cell and its surrounding ECM. The intracellular domains of integrins connect to the actin cytoskeleton through a network of adaptor proteins, including [[talin]], [[vinculin]], and [[paxillin]]. These proteins help to stabilize the adhesion site and facilitate the transmission of mechanical and chemical signals.


===Integrins===
==Function==
Integrins are heterodimeric proteins consisting of α and β subunits. They are responsible for sensing the ECM and transmitting signals into the cell. Integrins can bind to ECM proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, and laminin.
Focal adhesions serve as signaling hubs that regulate various cellular processes. They are involved in:


===Adaptor Proteins===
* '''Cell migration''': By dynamically assembling and disassembling, focal adhesions allow cells to move in response to external stimuli.
Adaptor proteins such as talin and vinculin connect integrins to the actin cytoskeleton. Talin binds to the cytoplasmic tail of integrins and recruits vinculin, which further stabilizes the linkage to actin filaments.
* '''Signal transduction''': Focal adhesions transmit signals from the ECM to the cell interior, influencing cell behavior and fate.
* '''Mechanical force transmission''': They act as points of force transmission between the ECM and the cytoskeleton, enabling cells to sense and respond to mechanical cues in their environment.


===Signaling Molecules===
==Role in Disease==
Focal adhesions are also sites of signal transduction. They contain kinases such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src, which are involved in signaling pathways that regulate cell survival, proliferation, and motility.
Dysregulation of focal adhesion dynamics is implicated in various diseases, including [[cancer]], where altered cell adhesion and migration contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Additionally, defects in focal adhesion components can lead to [[muscular dystrophies]] and other connective tissue disorders.


==Function==
==Research Techniques==
Focal adhesions serve several key functions in cells:
Several techniques are used to study focal adhesions, including:


* '''Mechanical Anchorage''': They provide a stable anchor for cells to attach to the ECM, allowing cells to maintain their shape and resist mechanical stress.
* '''Fluorescence microscopy''': To visualize focal adhesion components and their dynamics in live cells.
* '''Signal Transduction''': Focal adhesions act as signaling hubs that relay information from the ECM to the cell interior, influencing cell behavior and fate.
* '''Biochemical assays''': To analyze the composition and signaling pathways associated with focal adhesions.
* '''Cell Migration''': During cell migration, focal adhesions form at the leading edge of the cell and disassemble at the trailing edge, allowing the cell to move forward.
* '''Genetic manipulation''': To investigate the function of specific proteins involved in focal adhesion formation and regulation.


==Dynamics==
==See also==
Focal adhesions are dynamic structures that can rapidly assemble and disassemble in response to cellular signals and environmental cues. This dynamic nature is essential for processes such as wound healing, immune response, and cancer metastasis.
* [[Cell adhesion molecule]]
* [[Extracellular matrix]]
* [[Integrin]]
* [[Signal transduction]]


==Clinical Relevance==
==References==
Abnormal focal adhesion dynamics are implicated in various diseases, including cancer, where altered cell adhesion and migration contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Understanding focal adhesion biology is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies targeting these processes.
<references/>


==Also see==
==External links==
* [[Integrin]]
* [Focal adhesion on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focal_adhesion)
* [[Extracellular matrix]]
* [[Cell migration]]
* [[Signal transduction]]
* [[Actin cytoskeleton]]


{{Cell biology}}
{{Cell adhesion}}
{{Molecular biology}}
{{Signal transduction}}


[[Category:Cell biology]]
[[Category:Cell biology]]
[[Category:Molecular biology]]
[[Category:Signal transduction]]
[[Category:Cellular processes]]

Revision as of 04:37, 29 December 2024


Focal adhesion
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms N/A
Complications N/A
Onset N/A
Duration N/A
Types N/A
Causes N/A
Risks N/A
Diagnosis N/A
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment N/A
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency N/A
Deaths N/A


Focal adhesions are complex assemblies of proteins that form at the cell membrane, providing a structural link between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cytoskeleton of a cell. These structures play a crucial role in cell adhesion, signal transduction, and the regulation of cell migration.

Structure

Focal adhesions are composed of clusters of integrins, which are transmembrane receptors that mediate the attachment between a cell and its surrounding ECM. The intracellular domains of integrins connect to the actin cytoskeleton through a network of adaptor proteins, including talin, vinculin, and paxillin. These proteins help to stabilize the adhesion site and facilitate the transmission of mechanical and chemical signals.

Function

Focal adhesions serve as signaling hubs that regulate various cellular processes. They are involved in:

  • Cell migration: By dynamically assembling and disassembling, focal adhesions allow cells to move in response to external stimuli.
  • Signal transduction: Focal adhesions transmit signals from the ECM to the cell interior, influencing cell behavior and fate.
  • Mechanical force transmission: They act as points of force transmission between the ECM and the cytoskeleton, enabling cells to sense and respond to mechanical cues in their environment.

Role in Disease

Dysregulation of focal adhesion dynamics is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, where altered cell adhesion and migration contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Additionally, defects in focal adhesion components can lead to muscular dystrophies and other connective tissue disorders.

Research Techniques

Several techniques are used to study focal adhesions, including:

  • Fluorescence microscopy: To visualize focal adhesion components and their dynamics in live cells.
  • Biochemical assays: To analyze the composition and signaling pathways associated with focal adhesions.
  • Genetic manipulation: To investigate the function of specific proteins involved in focal adhesion formation and regulation.

See also

References

<references/>

External links

Template:Cell adhesion

Cell signaling / Signal transduction
Signaling pathways
Agents
By distance
Other concepts
Retrieved from "https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Focal_adhesion&oldid=6080694"