Vitronectin receptors refer to a group of cell surface proteins that mediate adhesion between cells and the extracellular matrix. The correct spelling of this word is /vī-troʊ-ˈnɛk-tɪn/ /rɪˈsɛptərz/. "Vitro" is pronounced as "vee-troh", while "nectin" is pronounced as "nek-tin". The suffix "-receptor(s)" is pronounced as "-rih-sep-tərz". Proper spelling of scientific terms like vitronectin receptors enables clear and effective communication among researchers, leading to better understanding and discoveries in the field of biology.
Vitronectin receptors are membrane proteins that specifically bind to a glycoprotein called vitronectin. Vitronectin is an abundant protein found in extracellular matrices and in soluble form in the blood plasma. It plays a vital role in various physiological processes, such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and tissue remodeling.
The interaction between vitronectin and its receptors is crucial for mediating cell-matrix adhesion and cell signaling. The binding of vitronectin to its receptors initiates intracellular signaling pathways, leading to the activation of downstream signaling molecules and the regulation of cellular behaviors and functions. These receptors are responsible for transmitting extracellular cues to the intracellular environment to regulate cell adhesion, migration, and other cellular responses.
Vitronectin receptors belong to the integrin family of transmembrane receptors. Integrins are heterodimeric proteins composed of alpha and beta subunits that form a non-covalent complex. Different combinations of subunits give rise to different types of integrins, and specific combinations determine the binding specificity for their ligands. Vitronectin receptors, also known as integrin αvβ3 and integrin αvβ5, are primarily expressed on the surface of various cell types including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, osteoclasts, and certain types of cancer cells.
Therefore, vitronectin receptors play a pivotal role in mediating cell-matrix interactions, regulating cell behavior, and modulating various physiological processes. The dysregulation or abnormal expression of vitronectin receptors can have significant implications in diseases such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and tissue fibrosis. Consequently, vitronectin receptors are important targets for drug development and therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating
The term "Vitronectin Receptors" is a scientific term used in the field of biology and biochemistry, specifically in the context of cell adhesion and cell surface receptors.
The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. "Vitronectin": The word "vitronectin" is a combination of two components - "vitro" and "nectin".
- "Vitro" comes from the Latin word "vitrum", which means "glass" or "container". In scientific terminology, it is often used to refer to experiments or observations conducted in a laboratory setting, particularly in glass containers.
- "Nectin" is derived from the Latin word "nectere", which means "to bind" or "to tie". In biology, the term "nectin" refers to a family of adhesive proteins involved in cell-cell interactions.