Substrate adhesion molecules
Encyclopedia
Substrate adhesion molecules (SAMs) are proteins that attach cells
to specific compounds in the extracellular matrix
(a process known as cell adhesion
).
Some of the amino acids in the SAM bind to components of the extracellular matrix, while others bind to integrins on the surface of the cell. Integrin molecules are composed of two chains of amino acids, one of which is connected to the actin filaments in the cytoskeleton
, while the other is connected to the SAMs. This enables external activity in the extracellular matrix to affect the shape and movement of the cell.
SAMs do not have to be made by the cells that bind to them. They can also link to other SAMs, influencing each other's behavior.
There is very strong evidence SAMs also have a key role in neuronal morphogenesis
.
Cell (biology)
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos....
to specific compounds in the extracellular matrix
Extracellular matrix
In biology, the extracellular matrix is the extracellular part of animal tissue that usually provides structural support to the animal cells in addition to performing various other important functions. The extracellular matrix is the defining feature of connective tissue in animals.Extracellular...
(a process known as cell adhesion
Cell adhesion
Cellular adhesion is the binding of a cell to a surface, extracellular matrix or another cell using cell adhesion molecules such as selectins, integrins, and cadherins. Correct cellular adhesion is essential in maintaining multicellular structure...
).
Some of the amino acids in the SAM bind to components of the extracellular matrix, while others bind to integrins on the surface of the cell. Integrin molecules are composed of two chains of amino acids, one of which is connected to the actin filaments in the cytoskeleton
Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a cellular "scaffolding" or "skeleton" contained within a cell's cytoplasm and is made out of protein. The cytoskeleton is present in all cells; it was once thought to be unique to eukaryotes, but recent research has identified the prokaryotic cytoskeleton...
, while the other is connected to the SAMs. This enables external activity in the extracellular matrix to affect the shape and movement of the cell.
SAMs do not have to be made by the cells that bind to them. They can also link to other SAMs, influencing each other's behavior.
There is very strong evidence SAMs also have a key role in neuronal morphogenesis
Morphogenesis
Morphogenesis , is the biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape...
.