An overview of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 receptors

Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are a subset of cell surface proteins. Their function is to connect cells to other cells or the extracellular matrix. Hence, these proteins help cells to stick to each other and to their surroundings. They are an important part of tissue structure maintenance factors. In addition to acting as adhesion molecules, they play an important role in growth, contact inhibition and apoptosis. Aberrant expression of these molecules leads to many diseases including cancer. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are two types of cell adhesion molecules.
ICAM-1 receptor is a cell adhesion molecule that is constitutively expressed in the membrane of leukocytes and endothelial cells. Also known as CD54 protein. In humans, this protein is encoded by the ICAM-1 gene. ICAM-1 is constantly present at low concentrations in the membrane of leukocytes and endothelial cells.
Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a cytokine-inducible cell adhesion molecule that is expressed only on the membrane of vascular endothelial cells. It is also called CD106. This cell adhesion molecule is a protein encoded by the VCAM1 gene in humans. VCAM-1 is expressed in both large and small blood vessels after stimulation of endothelial cells by cytokines.
So far, they have been able to measure the soluble form of these molecules (sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1) in the body.
Many studies have shown that acute myocardial infarction and coronary syndromes are related to ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Studying the threatening effect of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on vascular function, in addition to contributing to significant improvements in disease risk assessment, can serve as molecular therapy in management and prevention strategies.
Also, if the effect of these molecules can be eliminated in the metastasis of cancers, it will be a significant help in the treatment and recovery of these patients.
It is hoped that in the future, with more studies and investigations of these molecules, it will be possible to actually help improve these diseases.