Abstract
Cell adhesion molecules and diffusible growth factors have long been studied as two separate forms of intercellular communication. However, biologists working in these two areas are seeing their fields converge. This merge has been promoted by the identification of membrane-anchored growth factors that activate receptors on adjacent cells through intimate cell-cell contacts, and cell adhesion molecules that act as signaling receptors. Juxtacrine stimulation mediated by these two classes of molecules is critical in various aspects of tissue development and maintenance. Our increasing appreciation of juxtacrine interactions should foster rapid progress in this field.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Adhesion
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology*
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Cell Membrane / physiology
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Epidermal Growth Factor / physiology
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Eye Proteins / physiology
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Growth Substances / physiology*
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Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors / physiology
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Humans
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Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology
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Nerve Growth Factors / physiology
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Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology*
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Receptors, Peptide*
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Signal Transduction*
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Stem Cell Factor
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology
Substances
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Cell Adhesion Molecules
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Drosophila Proteins
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Eye Proteins
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Growth Substances
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Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Nerve Growth Factors
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Receptors, Peptide
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Stem Cell Factor
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
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boss protein, Drosophila
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Epidermal Growth Factor