VCAM1
Description
The VCAM1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
VCAM-1, also known as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) or cluster of differentiation 106 (CD106), is a protein encoded by the VCAM1 gene. It belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, containing six or seven immunoglobulin domains. VCAM-1 is expressed on both large and small blood vessels only after endothelial cells are stimulated by cytokines. The gene is alternatively spliced into two RNA transcripts, encoding different isoforms. The protein is a cell surface sialoglycoprotein and a type I membrane protein. VCAM-1 mediates the adhesion of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils to vascular endothelium, playing a role in leukocyte-endothelial cell signal transduction. It may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), upregulate VCAM-1 by increasing gene transcription and stabilizing mRNA. The VCAM1 gene promoter region contains functional tandem NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B) sites.
VCAM-1 is a cell adhesion glycoprotein primarily found on the surface of endothelial cells, playing a crucial role in immune surveillance and inflammation. It regulates leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium by interacting with various integrins. During inflammatory responses, VCAM-1 binds ligands on activated endothelial cells, triggering calcium channel activation and RAC1 GTPase activity, ultimately leading to leukocyte transendothelial migration. Additionally, VCAM-1 acts as a quality control checkpoint for bone marrow entry, providing a 'don't-eat-me' signal in the context of MHC class-I presentation.
VCAM1 is also known as CD106, INCAM-100.
