ABSTRACT
Adhesion of endothelial cells (EC) to one another and to the matrix is mediated by various surface receptors that belong to several families of ubiquitously expressed cell adhesion molecules, such as cadherins, integrins, immunoglobulins, and proteoglycans. Besides merely acting as attachment sites, most adhesive receptors interact with cytoskeletal and cytoplasmic molecules, thus contributing to the regulation of cell morphology and signalling. Here, we will first describe the adhesive molecules that mediate intercellular binding between adjacent EC. Most of them are organized in interendothelial junctional structures, such as adherens and tight junctions. Then, we will examine the integrin-type adhesion molecules that mediate EC adhesion to extracellular matrix and basement membrane components.
