Open Access

ARTICLE

Cell adhesion in renal tubular epithelial cells: Biochemistry, biophysics or both

CLAIRE ELIZABETH HILLS, ELEFTHERIOS SIAMANTOURAS, PAUL EDWARD SQUIRES^*

Diabetes, Metabolism & Inflammation Group, School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7DL, UK

* Corresponding Author: PAUL EDWARD SQUIRES. Email:

BIOCELL 2022, 46(4), 937-940. https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2022.018414

Received 23 July 2021; Accepted 23 August 2021; Issue published 15 December 2021

Abstract

Changes in cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion markers are increasingly used to characterize disease onset and progression. However, these relationships depend on both the biochemical and molecular association between cells and between cells and their extracellular matrix, as well as the biophysical and mechanical properties orchestrated by cytoskeletal, membrane and matrix components. To fully appreciate the role of cell adhesion when determining normal physiology and the impact of disease on cellular function, it is important to consider both biochemical and biophysical attributes of the system being investigated. In this short viewpoint we reflect on our experiences assessing cell-cell and/or cell-matrix interactions in renal tubular epithelial cells.

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