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Related Concept Videos

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions01:20

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

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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...
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Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

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The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
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Metastasis02:30

Metastasis

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Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
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Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

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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.
Some...
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Selectins01:25

Selectins

3.8K
Cell adhesion is  an essential aspect of multicellularity. While stable cell interactions usually occur between cells of the same type, transient cell interactions occur between cells of different tissue types, such as between neutrophils and endothelial cells. Selectins are one class of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) that bind carbohydrate ligands to form transient cell adhesion. They are rod-like proteins with a long extracellular part of variable length ending with the lectin domain,...
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Cell Migration01:19

Cell Migration

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Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.
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Multi-omics Profiling Shows BAP1 Loss Is Associated with Upregulated Cell Adhesion Molecules in Uveal Melanoma.

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Analysis of Cell Migration within a Three-dimensional Collagen Matrix
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Cell Adhesion Molecules in Plasticity and Metastasis.

Jessica A Smart1, Julia E Oleksak2, Edward J Hartsough3

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Molecular Cancer Research : MCR
|October 2, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Metastatic melanoma has a poor prognosis. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are crucial for melanoma progression and metastasis by altering cell surface protein interactions with the tumor microenvironment.

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Early-stage melanoma has a good prognosis with treatment.
  • Metastatic melanoma significantly reduces patient survival rates.
  • Metastasis involves complex cellular changes, particularly in cell surface proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in melanoma metastasis.
  • To highlight how CAMs influence melanoma progression.
  • To underscore the importance of CAMs in the context of the tumor microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on melanoma metastasis.
  • Analysis of the function of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs).
  • Examination of dynamic changes in cell surface proteins.

Main Results:

  • Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are critical for melanoma metastasis.
  • CAMs regulate interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), stroma, and other cells.
  • Changes in CAMs facilitate melanoma cell migration and colonization.

Conclusions:

  • Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are key drivers of melanoma progression and metastasis.
  • Targeting CAMs may offer therapeutic strategies for metastatic melanoma.
  • Understanding CAMs' role in the tumor microenvironment is vital for improving patient outcomes.