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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
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Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
Cell adhesion molecules--update
C S Elangbam1, C W Qualls, R R Dahlgren
1Department of Pathology, WIL Research Laboratories, Ashland, OH, USA.
Veterinary Pathology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are crucial cell surface glycoproteins involved in inflammation and cancer. This review details CAM families, their subfamilies, and ligands, highlighting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are cell surface glycoproteins vital for cellular interactions.
- CAMs play significant roles in both inflammatory and neoplastic diseases.
- Four main CAM groups exist: integrins, immunoglobulin superfamily, selectins, and cadherins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of cell adhesion molecules.
- To discuss the various families, subfamilies, and their specific ligands.
- To explore the involvement of CAMs in pathological conditions and potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cell adhesion molecule families and their functions.
- Detailed examination of integrin, immunoglobulin superfamily, selectin, and cadherin classifications.
- Analysis of known ligand-receptor interactions for key CAMs.
Main Results:
- Integrins include beta 1-8 subfamilies (e.g., VLA members, leukocyte integrins).
- Immunoglobulin superfamily comprises ICAMs, VCAM-1, and others.
- Selectins (E, P, L) and cadherins (E, P, N) represent other major groups with distinct binding partners.
Conclusions:
- CAMs exhibit diverse structures and functions, mediating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
- Specific CAMs and their ligands are implicated in various pathological processes.
- Modulating CAM expression presents a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions in diseases like cancer and inflammation.
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