PECAM1 (platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) forms an essential part of the endothelial cell intercellular junctions in vascular beds. Its extracellular domain is involved in homo- and heterophilic interactions, and its cytosolic domain is involved in the transduction of a variety of cellular signaling. It controls vascular inflammatory response as it functions as both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecule. Its capacity for hemophilic interactions renders it essential for leukocyte transmigration, interendothelial cell bindings, and vascular permeability regulation. This molecule is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of various disorders such as thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cancer.
