Cell adhesion molecule
Cell Adhesion Molecule
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are proteins located on the cell surface involved in binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the process called cell adhesion. These proteins are typically transmembrane receptors and are composed of three domains: an intracellular domain that interacts with the cytoskeleton, a transmembrane domain, and an extracellular domain that interacts either with other CAMs of the same kind (homophilic binding) or with other CAMs or the extracellular matrix (heterophilic binding).
Pronunciation
Cell Adhesion Molecule: /sɛl ædˈhiːʒən ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/
Etymology
The term "Cell Adhesion Molecule" is derived from the English language. "Cell" comes from the Latin cella, meaning a small room. "Adhesion" comes from the Latin adhaesio, meaning a sticking to. "Molecule" comes from the French molécule, which comes from the Latin moles, meaning mass.
Types of Cell Adhesion Molecules
There are four main types of CAMs: Cadherins, Integrins, Selectins, and members of the Immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF CAMs). Each of these families has different functions and is characterized by different structures.
Related Terms
- Cadherins: A type of CAM that mediates calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion.
- Integrins: A type of CAM that mediates cell-extracellular matrix adhesion.
- Selectins: A type of CAM that mediates cell-cell binding in a calcium-dependent manner.
- Immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF CAMs): A type of CAM that mediates cell-cell adhesion in the immune system.
See Also
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