GPI Anchoring

An adherens junction is defined as a cell junction whose cytoplasmic face is linked to the actin cytoskeleton. They can appear as bands encircling the cell (zonula adherens) or as spots of attachment to the extracellular matrix (adhesion plaques). Adherens junctions uniquely disassemble in uterine epithelial cells to allow the blastocyst to penetrate between epithelial cells. Discover the latest research on adherens junctions here.

Cell adhesion molecules are a subset of cell adhesion proteins located on the cell surface involved in binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix in the process called cell adhesion. In essence, cell adhesion molecules help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. Cell adhesion is a crucial component in maintaining tissue structure and function. Discover the latest research on adhesion molecule and their role in health and disease here.

α-Synuclein is an integral component of Lewy bodies which are comprised of protein clumps and are a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. Here is the latest research on α-Synuclein structure and function.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein involved in fat metabolism and associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease. Here is the latest research on APOE phenotypes.

Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B (APOB)-containing lipoproteins (very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), immediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipoprotein A (LPA)) and the total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio are all connected in diseases. Here is the latest research.

Bacterial protein structures can expedite the development of novel antibiotics. Here is the latest research on bacterial proteins and the resolution of their structures.

Basement membranes are thin, specialized extracellular matrices surrounding most tissues in all metazoans. Here is the latest research on basement membranes.

Alterations in cell adhesion can disrupt important cellular processes and lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer and arthritis. It is also essential for infectious organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, to cause diseases. Understanding the biophysics of cell adhesion can help understand these diseases. Discover the latest research on the biophysics of adhesion here.

Cadherins (named for "calcium-dependent adhesion") are a type of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) that is important in the formation of adherens junctions to bind cells with each other. Catenins are a family of proteins found in complexes with cadherin cell adhesion molecules of animal cells: alpha-catenin can bind to β-catenin and can also bind actin. β-catenin binds the cytoplasmic domain of some cadherins. Discover the latest research on cadherins and catenins here.

Bioenergetic processes, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis, concern the transformation of energy by cells. Here is the latest research on the role of calcium in bioenergetics.