JAM2

JAM2 or Junctional Adhesion Molecule 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the JAM2 gene. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is involved in various cellular processes such as cell adhesion and cell migration.

Function

JAM2 is a type of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) that is expressed on the surface of leukocytes and endothelial cells. It plays a crucial role in the immune response by facilitating the migration of leukocytes across the endothelium, a layer of cells that forms the inner lining of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. This process is known as leukocyte transmigration.

Structure

The JAM2 protein is composed of two extracellular immunoglobulin domains, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domains are involved in the binding of JAM2 to its ligand, while the cytoplasmic tail interacts with cytoskeletal proteins and signaling molecules.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the JAM2 gene have been associated with various diseases, including inflammatory diseases and cancer. In particular, overexpression of JAM2 has been observed in certain types of leukemia and lymphoma, suggesting a potential role in tumor progression.

Research

Research on JAM2 is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in immune response, inflammation, and cancer progression. Understanding the function of JAM2 could potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating diseases associated with abnormal cell adhesion and migration.

See also

• Junctional adhesion molecule
• Cell adhesion molecule
• Leukocyte transmigration