<unk> s are transmembrane receptors that mediate the attachment between a cell and its surroundings, such as other cells or the extracellular matrix (ECM). In signal transduction,<unk> s pass information about the chemical composition and mechanical status of the ECM<unk> o the cell. Therefore, in addition to transmitting mechanical forces across otherwise vulnerable membranes, they are involved in cell signaling and the regulation of cell cycle, shape, and motility.
Typically, receptors inform a cell of the molecules in its environment and the cell responds. Not only do<unk> s perform this outside-in signaling, but they also operate an inside-out mode. Thus, they transduce information from the ECM to the cell as well as reveal the status of the cell to the outside, allowing rapid and flexible responses to changes in the environment, for example to allow blood coagulation by platelets.
There are many types of<unk> , and many cells have multiple types on their surface.<unk> s are of vital importance to all animals and have been found in all animals investigated, from sponges to mammals.<unk> s have been extensively studied in humans.<unk> s work alongside other proteins such as cadherins, immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules, selectins and syndecans to mediate cell–cell and cell–matrix<unk> eraction and communication.<unk> s bind cell surface and ECM components such as fibronectin, vitronectin, collagen, and laminin.
Integrin
Cadherin
Collectin
Glutelin
Disintegrin
Myosin
Cell adhesion molecule
Retapamulin