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Selectins: lectins that initiate cell adhesion under flow.
1Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma Center for Medical Glycobiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73104, USA. rodger-mcever@omrf.ouhsc.edu
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|September 17, 2002
Summary
Selectins mediate leukocyte and platelet adhesion to blood vessels. Recent research clarifies selectin-ligand interactions, ligand synthesis, and factors influencing cell rolling under flow conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Selectins are key adhesion molecules mediating leukocyte and platelet interactions with vascular surfaces.
- These interactions are crucial for immune surveillance and inflammatory responses.
- Understanding these processes requires detailed knowledge of molecular interactions and biophysical forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of selectin-ligand binding.
- To investigate the biosynthetic pathways for selectin ligand formation.
- To analyze the biophysical and cell biological factors influencing selectin-dependent cell rolling.
Main Methods:
- Molecular interaction studies.
- Glycoconjugate biosynthesis pathway analysis.
- Flow chamber experiments to study cell rolling dynamics.
Main Results:
- Detailed molecular insights into selectin-ligand binding were obtained.
- Biosynthetic pathways for critical selectin ligands were clarified.
- Biophysical and cell biological modulators of selectin-mediated rolling were identified.
Conclusions:
- Selectin-glycoconjugate interactions are fundamental to leukocyte and platelet adhesion.
- Advances in understanding these interactions, their synthesis, and regulation provide a basis for further research in immunology and vascular biology.