Abstract

Nectins and nectin-like molecules (Necls) are immunoglobulin-like transmembrane cell adhesion molecules that are expressed in various cell types. Homophilic and heterophilic engagements between family members provide cells with molecular tools for intercellular communications. Nectins primarily regulate cell–cell adhesions, whereas Necls are involved in a greater variety of cellular functions. Recent studies have revealed that nectins and NECL-5, in cooperation with integrin v3 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor, are crucial for the mechanisms that underlie contact inhibition of cell movement and proliferation; this has important implications for the development and tissue regeneration of multicellular organisms and the phenotypes of cancer cells.

Author affiliations

1. Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
2. Department of Molecular Biology, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Osaka 537-8511, Japan.

Correspondence to: Yoshimi Takai¹ Email: ytakai@med.kobe-u.ac.jp

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