Which cell adhesion receptor is a transmembrane protein that mediates cell-cell adhesion through homophilic binding?

The choice of cadherins as the answer highlights their specific role in cell-cell adhesion. Cadherins are a class of type-1 transmembrane proteins that are crucial for forming adherens junctions to bind cells within tissues together. They function primarily through homophilic binding, meaning that cadherins on one cell bind to the same type of cadherin on an adjacent cell, which is essential for maintaining tissue structure and integrity.

Cadherins are calcium-dependent adhesion molecules, and their ability to mediate strong cell-cell interactions makes them integral in processes such as embryogenesis, tissue formation, and maintaining the architecture of adult tissues. When cadherins on neighboring cells bond together, they form stable connections that are vital for the mechanical strength of tissues and communicating signals between cells.

Other adhesion molecules listed, such as integrins, immunoglobulin superfamily proteins, and selectins, have different mechanisms and preferences for binding. Integrins primarily mediate cell-extracellular matrix interactions rather than homophilic binding. While IgSF can participate in both homophilic and heterophilic binding, they do not have the specific role and structural characteristics attributed to cadherins in mediating cell-cell connections. Selectins are known for their