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Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules

Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules

Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...

Adherens Junctions

Adherens Junctions

Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
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Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Published on: December 14, 2017

Complementary adhesin function in C. albicans biofilm formation.

Clarissa J Nobile¹, Heather A Schneider, Jeniel E Nett

¹Department of Microbiology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.

Current Biology : CB

|July 19, 2008

Summary

Candida albicans biofilm formation relies on Als and Hwp1 proteins. Their complementary functions, similar to mating agglutinins, suggest a mechanism promoting monospecies biofilm development.

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Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi

Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi

Published on: July 6, 2016

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Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Published on: December 14, 2017

Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi

Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi

Published on: July 6, 2016

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Mycology
Biochemistry

Background:

Biofilms are surface-attached microbial communities with major environmental and medical implications.
Candida albicans is a primary human fungal pathogen responsible for invasive infections.
Understanding C. albicans biofilm formation is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the adherence mechanisms underlying Candida albicans biofilm formation.
To elucidate the specific roles of Als and Hwp1 surface proteins in this process.
To explore the functional complementarity between different adherence factors.

Main Methods:

Genetic manipulation of C. albicans strains to create biofilm-defective mutants.
In vitro and in vivo biofilm formation assays, including catheter infection models.
Heterologous expression studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to assess protein function.

Main Results:

Als1 and Als3 proteins play critical, yet redundant, roles in C. albicans biofilm formation.
Overexpression of certain Als proteins can restore biofilm formation in defective strains, indicating expression level dependency.
Hwp1 is essential for biofilm development, and its function is complementary to Als1 and Als3.
Hybrid biofilms formed by mixtures of defective strains highlight the cooperative nature of these proteins.
Hwp1 mediates adherence to wild-type C. albicans, but not to strains lacking Als1 and Als3.

Conclusions:

The complementary functions of Hwp1 and Als proteins in biofilm formation are analogous to sexual agglutinins in yeast mating.
This complementarity suggests a mechanism promoting the development of stable, monospecies biofilms.
The findings provide insights into the molecular basis of fungal biofilm assembly and potential therapeutic targets.