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Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Simultaneous Study of the Recruitment of Monocyte Subpopulations Under Flow In Vitro
Published on: November 26, 2018
JAM-A: Adhesion Receptor and Signaling Regulator in Atherosclerosis
Mariel F Schwietzer1, Klaus Ebnet2
1Molecular Cardiology, Cardiology I, Medical Clinic C, University Hospital Münster, 48419, Münster, Germany.
Purpose Of Review:
Cell-cell adhesion between leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells plays a critical role in vascular inflammation and thrombus formation. This review aims at providing a comprehensive picture of the contribution of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) cell adhesion receptor Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A) to the process of atherosclerosis.
Recent Findings:
Proinflammatory and proatherogenic stimulation of endothelial cells results in redistribution of JAM-A from cell-cell junctions to the apical surface to promote monocyte adhesion and transmigration. Agonist-stimulation of platelets results in elevated surface levels of JAM-A concomitant with enhanced release of soluble JAM-A (sJAM-A). sJAM-A promotes platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, and platelet-monocyte aggregate formation. Elevated levels of sJAM-A correlate with recurrent myocardial infarction. JAM-A is expressed by several cell types implicated in atherogenesis, notably endothelial cells, platelets, and leukocytes. Proinflammatory and proatherogenic stimuli induce a redistribution of JAM-A within endothelial cells. Stimulated platelets release sJAM-A into the circulation. This review illustrates the role of JAM-A in atherogenesis and elaborates the underlying mechanisms.
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