Nectins and nectin-like molecules: Roles in cell adhesion, polarization, movement, and proliferation

Nectins and nectin-like molecules (Necls) are immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules that constitute families containing four and five members, respectively. All members, except for Necl-5, trans -interact homophilically. Furthermore, all members, including Necl-5, trans -interact heterophilically with their respective specific partners among the members. Necl-5 regulates cell movement and proliferation cooperatively with integrin alpha(v)beta(3) and growth factor receptors. Nectins function as cell-cell adhesion molecules at a variety of cell-cell junctions, including adherens junctions, and regulate the initial step of cell-cell junction formation. Nectins and integrin alpha(v)beta(3) are further involved in the cross-talk between cell-matrix and cell-cell junctions. Thus, both nectin and Necl family members play important roles in fundamental cellular functions, including cell adhesion, polarization, movement, and proliferation.