IntegrinIntegrins are transmembrane receptors that help cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion. Upon ligand binding, integrins activate signal transduction pathways that mediate cellular signals such as regulation of the cell cycle, organization of the intracellular cytoskeleton, and movement of new receptors to the cell membrane.
SyndecanSyndecans are single-pass membrane proteins that are thought to act as co-receptors, especially for G protein-coupled receptors. More specifically, these core proteins carry three to five heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate chains, i.e. they are proteoglycans, which allow for interaction with a large variety of ligands including fibroblast growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, fibronectin and antithrombin-1.
Extracellular matrixStructural support for biological cellsIn biology, the extracellular matrix (ECM), also called the intercellular matrix, is a network consisting of extracellularmacromolecules and minerals, such as collagen, enzymes, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxyapatite that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
Protein dimerIn biochemistry, a protein dimer is a macromolecular complex or multimer formed by two proteinmonomers, or single proteins, which are usually non-covalently bound. Many macromolecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, form dimers. The word dimer has roots meaning "two parts", + . A protein dimer is a type of protein quaternary structure. A protein homodimer is formed by two identical proteins while a protein heterodimer is formed by two different proteins.
Heparan sulfateHeparan sulfate (HS) is a linear polysaccharide found in all animal tissues. It occurs in a proteoglycan (HSPG, i.e. Heparan Sulfate ProteoGlycan) in which two or three HS chains are attached in close proximity to cell surface or extracellular matrix proteins.
MonomerA monomer ( ; , "one" + , "part") is a molecule that can react together with other monomer molecules to form a larger polymer chain or two- or three-dimensional network in a process called polymerization.IUPAC definitionMonomer molecule: A molecule which can undergo polymerization, thereby contributing constitutional units to the essential structure of a macromolecule.
FibrinFibrin (also called Factor Ia) is a fibrous, non-globular protein involved in the clotting of blood. It is formed by the action of the protease thrombin on fibrinogen, which causes it to polymerize. The polymerized fibrin, together with platelets, forms a hemostatic plug or clot over a wound site. When the lining of a blood vessel is broken, platelets are attracted, forming a platelet plug.CollagenCollagen () is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissues of many animals. It is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up 25% to 35% of protein content. Amino acids are bound together to form a triple helix of elongated fibril known as a collagen helix. It is mostly found in cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis.
Cell membraneThe cell membrane (also known as the plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane, and historically referred to as the plasmalemma) is a semipermeablebiological membrane that separates and protects the interior of a cell from the outside environment (the extracellular space).
GlycoproteinGlycoproteins are proteins which contain oligosaccharide (sugar) chains covalently attached to amino acid side-chains. The carbohydrate is attached to the protein in a cotranslational or posttranslational modification. This process is known as glycosylation. Secreted extracellular proteins are often glycosylated. In proteins that have segments extending extracellularly, the extracellular segments are also often glycosylated.Dalton (unit)The dalton (symbol: Da), or unified atomic mass unit (symbol: u), is a unit of mass defined as 1/12 of the mass of an unbound neutral atom of carbon-12 in its nuclear and electronic ground state and at rest. The word "unified" emphasizes that the definition was jointly accepted by physics (IUPAP) and chemistry (IUPAC) organizations. The atomic mass constant, denoted mu, is an atomic-scale reference mass, defined identically, but it is not a unit of mass.
Receptor (biochemistry)In biochemistry and pharmacology, receptors are proteins that receive and transduce signals that may be integrated into biological systems. These signals are typically chemical messengers which bind to a receptor and produce physiological responses, such as a change in the electrical activity of a cell. For example, GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, inhibits electrical activity of neurons by binding to GABAA receptors.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.