(Adhesion Molecules and Their Role in Haematological Malignancies (Recent Advances

Abstract

Cellular adhesion is mediated via multiple molecular pathways which involve specific intermolecular events. Several families of biochemically and genetically unique cell adhesion receptors are known, comprising the integrins, selectins, immunoglobulin superfamily, CD44, cadherins and mucin-like molecules. Integrins are heterodimers as a result of the non-covalent association between α-subunit and β-subunit. Selectins form a family of molecules which are structurally related and designed to mediate adhesion. The immunoglobulin superfamily contains molecules with multiple immunoglobulin-like domains. The CD44 molecule plays a key role in: B-lymphopoiesis and several processes critical to normal immune system. The Cadherin family contains several subclasses thought to play an important role in morphogenesis by mediating specific intercellular adhesion. Mucine-like molecules are family of glycoproteins expressed by tissues of the haemopoietic system. Adhesion molecules play a key role in the hematological malignancies.