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The role of cell adhesion molecules in craniofacial development
J J Kerrigan1, J T McGill, J A Davies
1Department of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, UK.
Cell adhesion molecules, crucial for development, are increasingly recognized for their roles beyond initial understanding. This review highlights their importance in embryogenesis, especially in fetal craniofacial development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glycoproteins involved in cell adhesion have been identified and characterized.
- The scope of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) is broader than previously assumed.
- CAMs play significant roles in embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function of cell adhesion molecules in embryogenesis.
- To emphasize the specific role of CAMs in fetal craniofacial development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cell adhesion molecules.
- Analysis of CAMs' involvement in developmental processes.
- Focus on craniofacial development during embryogenesis.
Main Results:
- CAMs are vital for early developmental stages.
- CAMs are implicated in epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT).
- CAMs are essential for later developmental stages, including organogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Cell adhesion molecules are critical throughout embryogenesis.
- CAMs are particularly important for the proper development of the fetal face and skull.
- Understanding CAMs offers insights into developmental abnormalities.
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