VCAM-1

Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, also known as VCAM1, is a human gene.

This gene is a member of the Ig superfamily and encodes a cell surface sialoglycoprotein expressed by cytokine-activated endothelium. This type I membrane protein mediates leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and signal transduction, and may play a role in the development of artherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Two alternatively spliced transcripts encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene.^[1]

VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1), also known as CD106, is a molecule with a considerable role in the human immune system.

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Structure

VCAM-1 contains six or seven immunoglobulin domains, and is expressed on both large and small vessels only after the endothelial cells are stimulated by cytokines.

Function

VCAM-1 promotes the adhesion of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Interestingly, certain melanoma cells can use VCAM-1 to adhere to the endothelium, and VCAM-1 may participate in monocyte recruitment to atherosclerotic sites. As a result, VCAM-1 is a potential drug target.

Upregulation of VCAM-1 in endothelial cells by cytokines occurs as a result of increased gene transcription (e.g., in response to Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1, aka IL-1) and through stabilization of Messenger RNA (mNRA) (e.g., Interleukin-4, aka IL-4). The promoter region of the VCAM-1 gene contains functional tandem NF-kB (nuclear factor-kappa B) sites.

The sustained expression of VCAM-1 lasts over 24 hours. Primarily, VCAM-1 is an endothelial ligand for VLA-4 (Very Late Antigen-1 or α4β1) of the β1 subfamily of integrins, and for integrin α4β7. VCAM-1 expression has also been observed in other cell types (e.g., smooth muscle cells).

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Further reading