Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is now appreciated as a key regulator of cell and tissue behavior. Support for this notion has been derived from correlative studies demonstrating large changes in the composition and distribution of extracellular matrix components during tissue development, differentiation and in response to hormone/growth factor/cytokine influences. In addition, a variety of functional studies demonstrate ECM-dependent cellular responses in vitro while genetic approaches clearly demonstrate critical requirements for genes encoding ECM components or modifiers of ECM, e.g., metalloproteases, in a wide variety of processes in vivo.
Highlights
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is appreciated as a key regulator of cell and tissue behavior [1,2]. Support for this notion has been derived from correlative studies demonstrating large changes in the composition and distribution of extracellular matrix components during tissue development, differentiation and in response to hormone/growth factor/cytokine influences
One of these is via direct interactions with cell surface ECM receptors of various types, including integrins and syndecans
ECM serves as a reservoir of growth factors and cytokines
Summary
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is appreciated as a key regulator of cell and tissue behavior [1,2]. Support for this notion has been derived from correlative studies demonstrating large changes in the composition and distribution of extracellular matrix components during tissue development, differentiation and in response to hormone/growth factor/cytokine influences. One of these is via direct interactions with cell surface ECM receptors of various types, including integrins and syndecans.
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