Adhesive recognition sequences

Abstract

Specific cellular adhesion and migration of cells are recurring themes in embryonic development, tumor cell metastasis, and wound healing. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of cell adhesive and migratory interactions with extracellular matrix molecules have converged on the concept that many cell interactions are dependent on specific adhesive recognition sequences. As will be described in detail below, certain short peptide sequences in adhesion proteins are thought to serve as sites for recognition and binding by specific plasma membrane receptors