Cell adhesion and motility

Cell adhesion is the process by which cells interact and attach to neighboring cells or the extracellular matrix (ECM) via specialized transmembrane proteins called cell adhesion molecules, including integrins, cadherins, selectins, and the immunoglobulin superfamily[2][3][4]. Cell motility describes the movement of cells and is tightly interconnected with adhesion, as cells must adhere and de-adhere in a coordinated manner to migrate through tissues[4]. These processes are essential for tissue development, maintenance, wound healing, immune cell trafficking, and morphogenesis[1][2][4]. Dysregulation of adhesion and motility underlies pathological states such as cancer metastasis, chronic inflammation, and impaired tissue repair[1][3]. For structured data or drug discovery purposes, it is essential to specify the individual molecules involved (e.g., "Integrin beta-1", "E-selectin", "Cadherin-1") rather than broad process terms like "Cell adhesion and motility", which do not refer to a unique, actionable target for therapeutic intervention.