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[Regulation of adhesion molecules by calcium]
1Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Molecular medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka City University Graduate school of Medicine.
Clinical Calcium
|March 19, 2005
Summary
Adhesion molecules, crucial for tissue architecture, rely on calcium for function. Intracellular calcium levels influence the expression of these vital cell-binding proteins.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Molecular mechanisms
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Adhesion molecules are critical for tissue development and pathological processes.
- Cadherins, secretins, and integrins are key calcium-dependent or calcium-requiring adhesion molecules.
- Intracellular calcium's role in regulating cell surface adhesion molecule expression is an emerging area of research.
Purpose:
- To review the role of calcium in the function of various adhesion molecules.
- To highlight the importance of calcium in mediating cell-cell adhesion.
- To discuss the regulatory effect of intracellular calcium on adhesion molecule expression.
Summary:
- Adhesion molecules are essential for biological and pathological processes, including tissue architecture.
- Cadherins, secretins, and integrins are examples of adhesion molecules that require calcium or other cations for their function.
- Intracellular calcium has been shown to regulate cellular functions by modulating the expression of plasma membrane adhesion molecules.
Impact:
- Provides a foundational understanding of calcium's role in cell adhesion.
- Highlights potential therapeutic targets for diseases involving adhesion molecule dysfunction.
- Underscores the intricate relationship between intracellular calcium signaling and cell surface interactions.