Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule in cell signaling and thrombosis.
Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) is a member of the superfamily of immunoglobulins. This cell adhesion molecule has been implicated to mediate the adhesion and trans-endothelial migration of T lymphocytes/monocytes into the vascular wall, a critical step in the initiation of atherogenesis. Current thinking, however, posits that PECAM-1 by virtue of being a scaffolding molecule may well play a role in several signal transduction reactions. As a consequence, this cell adhesion molecule may be responsible for several biological and pathophysiological functions such as thrombosis, and inflammation. Evidence has also been put forward for a potential role of PECAM-1 in apoptosis and atherosclerosis. This article focuses on the structure of PECAM-1 and its role in intracellular signaling and implications in health and disease.
Gong
NanLing
N
Johns Hopkins Singapore-National Heart Centre Vascular Biology Program, Singapore.
Chatterjee
Subroto
S
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1