Cell adhesion molecule
surface ligands, usually glycoproteins, that mediate cell-to-cell adhesion
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are single-pass transmembrane proteins, a subset of cell membrane proteins that are involved in the binding of cells with other cells or with the extracellular matrix, in a process called cell adhesion. In essence, CAMs help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. CAMs are crucial components in maintaining tissue structure and function. In fully developed animals, these molecules play an integral role in generating force and movement and consequently ensuring that organs are able to execute their functions normally. In addition to serving as "molecular glue", CAMs play important roles in the cellular mechanisms of growth, contact inhibition, and apoptosis. Aberrant expression of CAMs may result in a wide range of pathologies, ranging from frostbite to cancer.
Structure
CAMs are typically single-pass transmembrane proteins (bitopics) and are composed of three conserved domains: an intracellular domain that interacts with the cytoskeleton, a transmembrane domain, and an extracellular domain. CAMs can interact in two different ways: homophilic binding to the same type of CAM on another cell, and heterophilic binding to a different type of CAM.
CAM families
There are four major superfamilies or groups of CAMs: the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF CAMs), cadherins, integrins, and the superfamily of C-type of lectin-like domains proteins (CTLDs). Proteoglycans are also considered to be a class of CAMs.
One classification system involves the distinction between calcium-independent CAMs and calcium-dependent CAMs.
This brief starts where responsible research should: with the source description of “Cell adhesion molecule” as surface ligands, usually glycoproteins, that mediate cell-to-cell adhesion. Everything that follows is an evidence route, not borrowed authority.
Why this record matters
The subject matters to the general reference register because the source frames it as surface ligands, usually glycoproteins, that mediate cell-to-cell adhesion. Its deeper value depends on whether names, dates, institutions and citations support that framing.
Named sources, stable identifiers and responsible institutions provide the strongest route from overview to verifiable evidence. The source revision retrieved here is dated Dec 1, 2025. The linked authority identifier is Q187637. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference.
A concise general-reference account can conceal disagreements about scope, terminology or the weight assigned to individual sources. The source lead contains qualifying language; that uncertainty should survive quotation, summary and reuse. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Cell adhesion molecule”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Cell adhesion molecule primary sources, Cell adhesion molecule archive and Cell research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Cell adhesion molecule”?
- What terminology or title could unlock a more precise catalogue search?
- Which cited source is closest to the event, object or claim?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Cell adhesion molecule” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.