Adhesion molecules are transmembrane proteins that can anchor cytoskeletal proteins on the cytoplasmic side of the cell membrane, while also connecting extracellular structures on the outer surface of the cell membrane. In addition to physical linkages between the extracellular environment and the cytoskeleton, adhesive complexes participate in important signal transduction systems as modulators or receptors. Their functions in cell signaling are probably at least as important as their cytoskeletal and cell attachment properties. Understanding these regulatory functions appears to be of importance in determining of pathological characteristic of numerous diseases. Expression and functional activity of various adhesion molecules have been found in different diseases affecting the colorectum. In this review we summarize recent advantages about the cell biology these diseases and clinical implications.
