The function of VCAM1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000162692) is as follows. Cell adhesion glycoprotein predominantly expressed on the surface of endothelial cells that plays an important role in immune surveillance and inflammation (PubMed:31310649). Acts as a major regulator of leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium through interaction with different types of integrins (PubMed:10209034). During inflammatory responses, binds ligands on the surface of activated endothelial cells to initiate the activation of calcium channels and the plasma membrane-associated small GTPase RAC1 leading to leukocyte transendothelial migration (PubMed:22970700). Also serves as a quality- control checkpoint for entry into bone marrow by providing a 'don't- eat-me' stamping in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I presentation (PubMed:35210567). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10209034, ECO:0000269|PubMed:22970700, ECO:0000269|PubMed:31310649, ECO:0000269|PubMed:35210567}.