Cell-Cell Interaction in Biology

Cell-Cell Interaction

• Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are proteins on cell surfaces responsible for cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions.
• Cell junctions are specialized structures that connect cells together. They form a physical barrier that regulates the movement of molecules and ions between cells.
• Extracellular matrix is a network of macromolecules that provides structural support and organization to tissues.
• Types of CAMs include selectins, integrins, immunoglobulins (Ig), and cadherins.
• Types of cell junctions: occluding junctions (e.g. tight junctions), anchoring junctions (e.g. adherens junctions), communicating junctions (e.g. gap junctions), and desmosomes.
• Importance of cell junctions: They provide a structural framework, regulate transport, and allow communication between cells.
• Tight junctions are found at the apical surface of epithelial cells, forming an impermeable barrier between cells and preventing the movement of fluids.
• Adherens junctions are anchoring junctions that connect cells through cadherin proteins and are linked to the actin cytoskeleton.
• Gap junctions are communicating junctions that allow the direct passage of small molecules and ions between cells, enabling coordinated responses to stimuli.
• Desmosomes are anchoring junctions that provide strong adhesion and connect cells through intermediate filaments.

Tight Junctions

• Functions:
  • Prevent the passage of molecules and ions between epithelial cells.
  • Prevent the movement of integral membrane proteins between the apical and basolateral surfaces of the cell.
• Examples: Epithelial cells in the human lung.
  • Growth stimulant (heregulin) is secreted at the apical surface.
  • Receptor (erbB) is located at the basolateral surface.
  • The tight junctions prevent self-stimulation of the growth stimulant by maintaining a separation of the proteins.
  • Injury to these cells can result in lung disorders (chronic bronchitis) due to unregulated growth stimulant activity.

Adherens Junctions

• Functions:
  • Provide mechanical attachment between cells, functioning as anchors.
  • They are important in tissues like cardiac muscles and epithelial tissues, allowing them to contract together and maintain structural integrity.
  • They also contribute to contact inhibition, regulating cell proliferation and growth.
• Structure:
  • Built from cadherins, transmembrane proteins, and catenins, which connect to the actin microfilaments of the cytoskeleton, providing structural reinforcement.

Gap Junctions

• Functions:
  • Allow for direct communication between cells through protein channels.
  • The channels allow the passage of ions and small molecules < 1000 Daltons, facilitating rapid communication.
  • This communication allows for coordinated response to stimuli, such as the coordinated movement of muscles during childbirth.

Desmosomes

• Functions:
  • Provide strong points of attachment between cells through protein complexes.
  • Necessary in tissues that experience mechanical stress, such as the skin, to provide structural integrity.
  • They are connected to the intermediate filaments of the cell cytoskeleton, further strengthening the connections.
• Cancerous cells often lack desmosomes, a characteristic that can lead to loss of cell adhesion and potential metastasis.

This quiz focuses on cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and various types of cell junctions. It assesses your understanding of the functions and importance of these structures in cellular communication and tissue organization. Get ready to test your knowledge on the extracellular matrix and the different junction types!