ABSTRACT
Adhesion plays a critical role in the normal function of mammalian cells by regulating proliferation, differentiation, and phenotypic behavior. Although the molecular mechanism of adhesion involves several families of transmembrane receptors as well as numerous structural and regulatory proteins, they can be divided phenomenologically into two groups: those that mediate adhesive contacts to neighboring cells, and those that mediate adhesive contacts with structural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In development, specific adhesive interactions between adjacent cells lead to the assembly of threedimensional tissue structures, while cell adhesion to ECM proteins (e.g., collagens, elastin, and laminin) establishes cellular orientation and spatial organization of cells into tissues and organs. Consequently, both types are necessary for proper function of mammalian cells and tissues.
