Roles of PECAM-1 in cell function and disease progression.

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) belongs to immunoglobulin superfamily, which is key factor for adhesion and accumulation of platelets. It is proved that PECAM-1 is closely correlative with cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis, signal transduction and cellular immunity. Meanwhile, PECAM-1 involves in multiple clinical diseases, such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and leukemia. This paper reviewed the structure and function of PECAM-1, and its roles in cell function and disease generation and progression.