Adhesion Protein Protocols

1. Determination of the Endothelial Barrier Function In Vitro

   • Geerten P. Van Nieuw Amerongen, Victor W. M. Van Hinsbergh

   Pages 183-189

2. Induction of Intracellular Signals Through Binding of Adhesive Molecules

   • Mascia Venturino, Cristina Olivo, Guido Tarone, Paola Defilippi

   Pages 191-198

3. Induction of Ca2+ Flux by Adhesion Molecules in Lymphocytes

   • Ruggero De Maria, Gabriella Palmieri, Angela Santoni

   Pages 199-204

4. Integrin-Mediated Stimulation of Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Lymphoid Cells

   • Angela Gismondi, Angela Santoni

   Pages 205-210

5. The Identification of Signaling Molecules by the Yeast Two-Hybrid System

   • Stefano Biffo, Pier Carlo Marchisio

   Pages 211-220

6. Back Matter

   Pages 221-229

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Adhesion molecules are of fundamental importance in the regulation of immunity, inflammation, tissue remodeling, and embryonic development. They comprise different families of homologous proteins, such as selectins, integrins, cadherins, and immunoglobins. In addition, beyond these groups, other str- tures with adhesive properties, such as proteoglycans, occludin, and CD44, have been characterized recently. An understanding of the type and characteristics of adhesive molecules expressed by the different cell types and the possibility of manipulating their activity promises considerable clinical potential. Antibodies, small peptidic and nonpeptidic molecules, have recently been used to inhibit thrombosis by blocking platelet aggregation or inflammation through inhibition of leukocyte infiltration and adhesion. Inhibitors of adhesive molecules are used in expe- mental systems for the study of tumor growth and dissemination. Among major goals in the field are the identification of new members of the known adhesive protein families and of independent new adhesive structures. After structural characterization, even more demanding is the study of the biological activity of the new proteins, and the development of simple, rapid tests for the screening of possible inhibitors. In this regard, the production of such reagents as fragments and antibodies would help define the structure–function relati- ship of individual proteins. Data available in the literature show the complexity of the adhesive process and how different molecular epitopes might contribute to the adhesive properties of a single structure. Finally, a new area of investi- tion is the characterization of the intracellular signaling cascade triggered by the engagement of transmembrane adhesive proteins.

"I think this book presents an excellent manual not only for beginning graduate students, who can find a variety of basic techniques, but also for experienced researchers who are new in the field of endothelial biology. . .a very useful manual, containing almost every technique dealing with the cell adhesion properties of the endothelium."-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal

"Dejana and Corada have assembled a wide range of chapters covering methods used for the study of adhesion proteins. The individual chapters are generally well written, and most of the methods that would be expected in such a volume are covered."-Cell Biology International

• Vascular Biology Laboratory, Istituto di Richerche Farmacologie “Mario Negri”, Milano, Italy

  Elisabetta Dejana, Monica Corada

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