Cell adhesion

Definition

Cell adhesion refers to the process by which cells interact and attach to neighboring cells or the extracellular matrix (ECM) through specific molecules. This is crucial for maintaining tissue structure, facilitating communication between cells, and enabling the integration of cells within engineered tissues. Strong and selective cell adhesion is vital for the success of tissue engineering scaffolds as it promotes cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to better tissue regeneration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cell adhesion is mediated by adhesion molecules like integrins, cadherins, and selectins that bind to ligands on adjacent cells or the ECM.
2. In tissue engineering, scaffolds designed to mimic the natural ECM can enhance cell adhesion, promoting better integration of new tissues.
3. The strength and specificity of cell adhesion influence cellular behaviors such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation, which are critical for effective tissue regeneration.
4. Defects in cell adhesion can lead to issues such as poor wound healing and diseases like cancer, where cells may detach and metastasize.
5. The physical properties of scaffolds, including their surface chemistry and topography, play a significant role in promoting effective cell adhesion and overall tissue engineering outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does cell adhesion influence the effectiveness of tissue engineering scaffolds in promoting tissue regeneration?
  • Cell adhesion significantly impacts the effectiveness of tissue engineering scaffolds by facilitating cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. When cells can effectively adhere to a scaffold, they are more likely to grow and form functional tissues. Scaffolds designed with optimal surface characteristics can enhance these adhesive interactions, leading to improved outcomes in tissue regeneration.
• Discuss the role of specific adhesion molecules in the process of cell adhesion within engineered tissues.
  • Specific adhesion molecules like integrins and cadherins play critical roles in cell adhesion by binding cells to the extracellular matrix or to each other. Integrins connect the cytoskeleton of a cell to ECM proteins, facilitating communication between the internal environment of the cell and its external surroundings. Cadherins help maintain tissue structure by promoting strong connections between adjacent cells. These interactions are essential for the stability and functionality of engineered tissues.
• Evaluate how defects in cell adhesion mechanisms can affect tissue engineering outcomes and what strategies might be employed to address these issues.
  • Defects in cell adhesion mechanisms can lead to compromised tissue integration, poor regeneration, and increased risk of graft failure. For example, insufficient adhesion may result in inadequate cellular infiltration into scaffolds or decreased stability of engineered tissues. Strategies to address these issues include modifying scaffold materials to enhance their adhesive properties, utilizing bioactive coatings that promote cell binding, or incorporating bioactive factors that stimulate cell adhesion and signaling pathways essential for successful tissue regeneration.

Related terms

Extracellular Matrix (ECM): A complex network of proteins and carbohydrates surrounding cells, providing structural and biochemical support that influences cell behavior.

Cell-Cell Junctions: Structures that connect adjacent cells, facilitating communication and maintaining tissue integrity through mechanisms such as tight junctions and gap junctions.

Biomaterials: Materials engineered for interaction with biological systems, often used in scaffolds to support cell growth and tissue development.