NECTIN Meaning and
Definition
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Nectin is a noun that refers to a family of transmembrane proteins that are prominently expressed in mammalian cells. These proteins perform crucial functions in cell adhesion and are involved in various physiological processes, including the formation of tissues and organs during development, regulation of immune responses, and maintenance of tissue integrity.
Nectins are integral components of adherens junctions, which are specialized cell-cell junctions that help establish and maintain cell adhesion. They are primarily found on the surface of epithelial and endothelial cells, as well as neurons. Nectins facilitate cell-cell adhesion by interacting with other nectins on neighboring cells and binding to intracellular proteins that link them to the cell's cytoskeleton.
In addition to their role in cell adhesion, nectins also participate in signal transduction processes by activating intracellular signaling pathways. They act as receptors for a class of viruses known as herpesviruses and play a vital role in viral entry into target cells.
Abnormalities or dysregulation of nectin expression or function have been associated with various human diseases, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, neurological conditions, and cancer. The study of nectins and their interactions has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of cell adhesion, tissue development, and disease pathogenesis.
In conclusion, nectin is a family of transmembrane proteins that mediate cell adhesion, signaling, and tissue development in mammals. Their importance in maintaining cellular integrity and their involvement in various physiological and pathological processes make them a subject of significant scientific interest.
Common Misspellings for NECTIN
- bectin
- mectin
- jectin
- hectin
- nwctin
- nsctin
- ndctin
- nrctin
- n4ctin
- n3ctin
- nextin
- nevtin
- neftin
- nedtin
- necrin
- necfin
- necgin
- necyin
- nec6in
- nec5in
Etymology of NECTIN
The word "nectin" is a scientific term that derives from the Latin word "nectere", meaning "to bind" or "to fasten". In scientific context, "nectin" refers to a family of cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in cell-to-cell interactions and binding processes. The term was specifically coined in 1999 when researchers discovered and named this family of proteins.
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