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Spatial and Temporal Sequence of Events in Cell Adhesion: From Molecular Recognition to Focal Adhesion Assembly
Author(s) -
Cohen Miriam,
Joester Derk,
Geiger Benjamin,
Addadi Lia
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
chembiochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 126
eISSN - 1439-7633
pISSN - 1439-4227
DOI - 10.1002/cbic.200400162
Subject(s) - adhesion , cell adhesion , microbiology and biotechnology , cell adhesion molecule , biophysics , function (biology) , sequence (biology) , chemistry , nanotechnology , biology , materials science , biochemistry , organic chemistry
A new concept that attributes a pivotal role to the pericellular coat in the regulation of the early stages of cell adhesion is presented. Quick, adaptable, and transient adhesion through multiple cooperative weak interactions provides the cell with an additional level of modulation in the decision‐making process that precedes the commitment to adhesion at a particular site. Hyaluronan emerges as a modulator of cell adhesion in certain cells, mediating binding or repulsion through its polyelectrolyte character, in addition to its chirality and molecular‐recognition properties. The biophysical properties of hyaluronan as well as its ultrastructural organization are analyzed in relation to this proposed function.