CYTOTACTIN Meaning and
Definition
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Cytotactin is a glycoprotein that functions as a cell adhesion molecule (CAM) in the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is primarily found in tissues and organs during embryonic development, playing a crucial role in cell migration and tissue organization.
As a CAM, cytotactin promotes the adhesion of cells to the ECM and other cells, thus facilitating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. It is synthesized and secreted by various cells, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and certain immune cells. Cytotactin is composed of multiple domains, with the N-terminal portion containing adhesive sites that enable binding to specific cell receptors and ECM components.
The interactions mediated by cytotactin are essential for embryonic development processes such as cell migration, tissue morphogenesis, and organ development. It allows cells to attach to the ECM, guiding their movement and ensuring their proper positioning within tissues. Cytotactin also participates in signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
In addition to its crucial role in embryonic development, cytotactin has been implicated in various pathological conditions. It can contribute to tumor progression and metastasis by enhancing cell migration and invasion. Alterations in cytotactin expression or function have also been associated with certain autoimmune disorders and fibrotic diseases.
Overall, cytotactin serves as a vital component of the ECM, playing a crucial role in cell adhesion, migration, tissue organization, and embryonic development.
Common Misspellings for CYTOTACTIN
- xytotactin
- vytotactin
- fytotactin
- dytotactin
- cttotactin
- cgtotactin
- chtotactin
- cutotactin
- c7totactin
- c6totactin
- cyrotactin
- cyfotactin
- cygotactin
- cyyotactin
- cy6otactin
- cy5otactin
- cytitactin
- cytktactin
- cytltactin
- cytptactin
Etymology of CYTOTACTIN
The word "Cytotactin" is derived from two components: "cyto-" and "-tactin".
The prefix "cyto-" comes from the Greek word "kutos", meaning cell. It is commonly used as a combining form in biological terminology to refer to cells or cell-related structures.
The suffix "-tactin" is derived from the Greek word "taktikos", which means related to arrangement or order. In biology, the term "-tactin" is often used to describe proteins involved in cell adhesion or attachment.
Therefore, combining the two components, "Cytotactin" refers to a biological molecule or protein that is involved in cell adhesion or attachment.
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