What is the name given to membrane proteins that serve as anchors, and may connect the plasma membranes of two neighbouring cells?

The name given to membrane proteins that serve as anchors and may connect the plasma membranes of two neighboring cells is adhesion proteins or more specifically cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). These proteins play a critical role in the structural integrity of tissues and are involved in the recognition and binding processes between cells, facilitating communication and signaling.

Cell adhesion molecules can be categorized into different families, including cadherins, integrins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules. Each family has specific roles in maintaining tissue architecture and mediating interactions both within a tissue and between different tissues. For example, cadherins are involved in calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion, while integrins mediate cell-extracellular matrix interactions.

These proteins are essential for a variety of biological processes, including tissue formation, immune response, and wound healing. Defects in cell adhesion mechanisms can lead to various diseases, including cancer metastasis, where cancer cells lose their adhesion properties and spread to other parts of the body.