FOCAL ADHESION Meaning and
Definition
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Focal adhesion refers to a specialized structure formed at the interface between a cell and its extracellular matrix (ECM). It is a crucial component of cellular attachment and plays a vital role in various cellular functions. Focal adhesions serve as mechanical linkages that transmit force between the cell and the ECM, providing stability and enabling cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation.
At the molecular level, focal adhesions consist of integrin receptors, which are transmembrane proteins that bind to specific ECM molecules such as fibronectin and collagen. These integrins form clusters and anchor the cell to the ECM through interaction with cytoplasmic proteins called focal adhesion proteins. Some notable focal adhesion proteins include talin, vinculin, paxillin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK).
The formation and maintenance of focal adhesions are regulated by complex signaling pathways. Various intracellular signaling molecules, such as small GTPases (e.g., Rho, Rac, and Cdc42), kinases, and phosphatases, participate in focal adhesion dynamics, controlling processes like adhesion assembly, disassembly, and turnover.
Focal adhesion dynamics are critical for key cellular processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and mechanosensing. Dysregulation of focal adhesion function has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer metastasis, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental abnormalities.
In summary, focal adhesion is a specialized junction between a cell and the ECM, serving as a mechanical link and signaling hub that plays a fundamental role in cell adhesion, migration, and cellular responses to changes in the surrounding environment.
Common Misspellings for FOCAL ADHESION
- docal adhesion
- cocal adhesion
- vocal adhesion
- gocal adhesion
- tocal adhesion
- rocal adhesion
- fical adhesion
- fkcal adhesion
- flcal adhesion
- fpcal adhesion
- f0cal adhesion
- f9cal adhesion
- foxal adhesion
- foval adhesion
- fofal adhesion
- fodal adhesion
- foczl adhesion
- focsl adhesion
- focwl adhesion
- focql adhesion
Etymology of FOCAL ADHESION
The word "focal adhesion" is derived from the combination of two distinct terms: "focal" and "adhesion".
The term "focal" is rooted in the Latin word "focus", meaning "fireplace" or "hearth". This now-extinct Latin term eventually developed into the Late Latin word "focalis", which translates to "pertaining to a hearth or fireplace". In a broader sense, "focal" signifies a central or centralizing element, often referring to a point of concentration or attention.
The term "adhesion" originates from the Latin word "adhaerere", meaning "to stick" or "to adhere". This Latin verb consists of two components: "ad", which indicates direction or movement toward, and "haerere", representing "to stick" or "to cling".
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