SELECTINS Meaning and
Definition
-
Selectins are a family of cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in many physiological processes such as inflammation, immune response, and blood clotting. These transmembrane glycoproteins are expressed on the surface of various types of cells, including leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells.
The name "selectins" is derived from their ability to selectively bind to specific carbohydrate ligands, particularly carbohydrates such as sialyl Lewis X (sLeX), present on the surface of other cells or glycoproteins. This binding is essential for the initial interactions between circulating cells and the endothelial lining of blood vessels, facilitating leukocyte rolling and subsequent adhesion to the site of inflammation.
Selectins consist of a complex structure, with different types identified based on their composition and distribution. The three main types include P-selectin (CD62P), E-selectin (CD62E), and L-selectin (CD62L). P-selectin is primarily expressed on activated platelets and endothelial cells, while E-selectin and L-selectin are predominantly found on endothelial cells and leukocytes, respectively.
Furthermore, selectins contribute to the recruitment and activation of leukocytes during inflammation by mediating the interactions between circulating leukocytes and the endothelium. They regulate the migration of immune cells by facilitating the rolling, adhesion, and transmigration of leukocytes from the bloodstream into the affected tissues.
Understanding the mechanisms and functions of selectins is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory and immune-related disorders.
Common Misspellings for SELECTINS
- aelectins
- zelectins
- xelectins
- delectins
- eelectins
- welectins
- swlectins
- sslectins
- sdlectins
- srlectins
- s4lectins
- s3lectins
- sekectins
- sepectins
- seoectins
- selwctins
- selsctins
- seldctins
- selrctins
- sel4ctins
Etymology of SELECTINS
The word "selectins" is derived from the term "selective adhesion molecules". It combines the word "selective", meaning being able to choose or pick out, with the suffix "-ins", which is commonly used to denote a class or group of proteins. Selectins are a family of cell adhesion molecules that play an essential role in immune response and the binding of leukocytes to endothelial cells during inflammation.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
