JAM2
Description
The JAM2 (junctional adhesion molecule 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 21.
JAM2 (Junctional adhesion molecule 2) is a protein encoded by the JAM2 gene in humans. Also known as CD322, JAM2 is localized in tight junctions between high endothelial cells and plays a crucial role in lymphocyte homing to secondary lymphoid organs by acting as an adhesive ligand for interacting with various immune cell types. It has been implicated in promoting lymphocyte transendothelial migration and may contribute to endothelial cell polarity by associating with the cell polarity protein PARD3. JAM2 interacts with PARD3 and the integrin dimer VLA-4 (α4β1).
JAM2 is a junctional adhesion protein that interacts with its cognate receptor JAM3 to regulate various cellular processes. This interaction plays a crucial role in the homing and mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells within the bone marrow. JAM2 contributes to the retention of these cells by binding to JAM3 on bone marrow stromal cells. Additionally, JAM2 facilitates leukocyte extravasation by mediating tethering and rolling of leukocytes along the endothelium. This process is dependent on the binding of JAM2 to the integrin alpha-4/beta-1. Furthermore, JAM2 is involved in spermatogenesis, where it interacts with JAM3 expressed by Sertoli and germ cells, contributing to germ cell anchorage and cell polarity complex assembly during spermatid differentiation. JAM2 also functions as an inhibitory somatodendritic cue, preventing myelination of non-axonal parts of neurons. It has been shown to be involved in myocyte fusion during myogenesis and may also play a role in angiogenesis.
JAM2 is also known as C21orf43, CD322, IBGC8, JAM-B, JAMB, PRO245, VE-JAM, VEJAM.
Associated Diseases
- Basal ganglia calcification, idiopathic, 8, autosomal recessive
- Bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis
