Nectins and nectin‐like molecules: Roles in cell adhesion, polarization, movement, and proliferation

Abstract

Nectins and nectin‐like molecules (Necls) are immunoglobulin‐like cell adhesion molecules that constitute families containing four and five members, respectively. All members, except for Necl‐5, trans‐interact homophilically. Furthermore, all members, including Necl‐5, trans‐interact heterophilically with their respective specific partners among the members. Necl‐5 regulates cell movement and proliferation cooperatively with integrin αvβ3 and growth factor receptors. Nectins function as cell‐cell adhesion molecules at a variety of cell‐cell junctions, including adherens junctions, and regulate the initial step of cell‐cell junction formation. Nectins and integrin αvβ3 are further involved in the cross‐talk between cell‐matrix and cell‐cell junctions. Thus, both nectin and Necl family members play important roles in fundamental cellular functions, including cell adhesion, polarization, movement, and proliferation. iubmb Life, 58: 334‐343, 2006