Erschienen in:
01.12.2005 | Commentary
Building the synovium: cadherin-11 mediates fibroblast-like synoviocyte cell-to-cell adhesion
verfasst von:
Hans P Kiener, Michael B Brenner
Erschienen in:
Arthritis Research & Therapy
|
Ausgabe 2/2005
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Abstract
Specific adhesion among like cells is a key determinant of the architecture of tissues. Homophilic (like binds like) adhesive interactions between cells are mediated by cadherins. These integral membrane glycoproteins have a crucial role in tissue morphogenesis during development and the maintenance of tissue integrity in adults. There is also an increasing recognition of a regulatory role for cadherins in a variety of cell functions, including cell migration. The recent identification of cadherin-11 expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) has shed light on the mechanisms of synovial tissue organization and differentiation. Moreover, cadherin-11 expression in FLSs might also provide insight into pathways that determine the mesenchymal tissue response of the synovium to inflammation.