| Background | CD31 antigen (PECAM-1) is a single chain transmembrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 130 to 140 kD. The CD31 molecule is expressed on the surface of platelets, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells and at the endothelial intracellular junction. The molecule has an extracellular domain that contains six Ig-like homology units of C2 subclass, typical of cell to cell adhesion molecules. This domain mediates endothelial cell to cell adhesion, plays a role in endothelial contact and may serve to stabilize the endothelial cell monolayer. The CD31 molecule also has a cytoplasmic domain with potential sites for phosphorylation after cellular activation. The properties of CD31 antigen suggest that it is involved in interactive events during angiogenesis, thrombosis and wound healing. Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastases. |
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