Cell adhesion molecules in Alzheimer's disease

dhesion molecules in Alzheimer's disease Review (1834) Total Article Views Authors: Wennstr m M, Nielsen HM Published Date July 2012 Volume 2012:2 Pages 65 - 77 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/DNND.S19829 Received: 01 February 2012 Accepted: 24 March 2012 Published: 05 July 2012 Malin Wennstr m, Henrietta M Nielsen Department of Clinical Sciences Malm , Lund University, Malm , Sweden Abstract: Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) mediate interactions between cells and their surroundings that are vital to processes controlling for cell survival, activation, migration, and plasticity. However, increasing evidence suggests that CAMs also mediate mechanisms involved in several neurological diseases. This article reviews the current knowledge on the role of CAMs in amyloid- (A ) metabolism, cell plasticity, neuroinflammation, and vascular changes, all of which are considered central to the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This paper also outlines the possible roles of CAMs in current and novel AD treatment strategies.