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Published on: June 13, 2014
Cell adhesion molecules nectins and associating proteins: Implications for physiology and pathology
Hisakazu Ogita1, Yoshiyuki Rikitake, Jun Miyoshi
1Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan.
Summary
Nectins and nectin-like molecules (Necls) are crucial cell adhesion molecules that regulate cell-cell junctions and diverse cellular functions. These proteins are vital for the normal physiology and pathology of multicellular organisms.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nectins are newly identified cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) with immunoglobulin-like structures.
- They localize at adherens junctions (AJs) and function with or independently of cadherins.
- Nectins link to the actin cytoskeleton via afadin, similar to cadherins and catenins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce nectins and nectin-like molecules (Necls) as important regulators of cell adhesion.
- To highlight their structural similarities and functional roles in cell-cell junctions.
- To emphasize their significance in various cellular processes and organismal health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on nectins and Necls.
- Analysis of structural and functional characteristics of these molecules.
- Comparison of nectins with other cell adhesion molecules like cadherins.
Main Results:
- Nectins comprise four members, while Necls include five members, all involved in cell adhesion.
- Both nectins and Necls are essential for forming various cell-cell adhesions.
- They play critical roles in cell movement, proliferation, survival, and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Nectins and Necls are indispensable for multicellular organism physiology and pathology.
- Their functions extend beyond simple cell adhesion to regulating fundamental cellular activities.
- Further research into nectins and Necls can provide insights into developmental and disease processes.
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