E-selectin, also known as endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) and CD62E, is an inducible adhesion molecule that is expressed on the surfaces of stimulated vascular endothelial cells and is sometimes involved in cancer cell metastasis. E-selectin exhibits a complex mosaic structure consisting of a large extracellular region comprised of a lectin domain, an EGF-like domain, and a short consensus repeat (SCR) domain, followed by a transmembrane region and a relatively short (32 aa) cytoplasmic tail. As a member of the LEC-CAM or selectin family, E-selectin recognises and binds to sialylated carbohydrates including members of the Lewis X and Lewis A families found on monocytes, granulocytes, and T-lymphocytes. E-selectin supports rolling and stable arrest of leukocytes on activated vascular endothelium, and furthermore, it was indicated that it can also transduce an activating stimulus via the MAPK cascade into the endothelial cell during leukocyte adhesion. E-selectin regulates adhesive interactions between certain blood cells and endothelium. The soluble form of E selectin (sE-selectin) is a marker of endothelial activation, and has a potential role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease as raised levels have been found in hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, althoμgh its association in established atherosclerosis disease and its value as a prognostic factor is more controversial. soluble E-selectin is inversely associated with the muscular component of the left ventricle, thereby sμggesting that the lack of such a reparative factor may be associated with cardiac remodeling in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Besides, this adhesion molecule appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
