ZOOHCC - 601: Developmental Biology (Theory)
Unit 1: Introduction













Basic concepts of Cell-cell interaction



Cell-cell interaction is a fundamental process in developmental biology
that involves communication and coordination between adjacent cells during
embryonic development. It is essential for the proper formation and function
of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms. Here are some basic
concepts of cell-cell interaction in developmental biology:

Signaling molecules:



Cells communicate with each other using signaling molecules, which can be
small molecules, proteins, or other molecules that bind to receptors on the
surface of neighboring cells. Signaling molecules can be produced by the
same cell (autocrine signaling), nearby cells (paracrine signaling), or
distant cells (endocrine signaling).



Signal transduction:



Once a signaling molecule binds to a receptor on the surface of a cell, a
cascade of intracellular events is initiated, leading to a cellular
response. This process is known as signal transduction, and it involves the
activation of various signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, BMP, and Notch
pathways.



Inductive interactions: Inductive interactions occur when one group of
cells influences the fate or behavior of adjacent cells, resulting in the
differentiation or activation of specific genes. This process is essential
for the formation of many tissues and organs during embryonic development,
such as the nervous system, limbs, and heart.



Adhesion molecules:



Adhesion molecules are proteins that enable cells to attach to each other
and maintain their position and shape. They play a crucial role in cell-cell
interaction by facilitating the formation of tissues and organs, as well as
the migration of cells during embryonic development.






Extracellular matrix:



The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins,
glycoproteins, and other molecules that provide structural support and
guidance for developing tissues and organs. The ECM also plays a crucial
role in cell-cell interaction by regulating the signaling pathways that
control cell behavior and differentiation.