Important adhesins in intracellular matrices
What are the important adhesins (cell-binding glycoproteins) that can be present in intracellular matrices and basement membranes
- Fibronectin—connective and many other tissues.
- Laminin—basement membrane.
- Chondroadherin—cartilage.
- Osteoadherin (osteomodulin)—bone.
These glycoproteins have specific adhesive and other important properties. They bind cells by attaching to integrins on cells. Some have the classical arginine–glycine–aspartic acid cell-binding sequence. In addition, there are cadherins that are transmembrane polypeptides that mediate cell–cell adhesion and recognition.