Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Nanofibrillar Basement Membrane Mimic Made of Recombinant Functionalized Spider Silk in Custom-Made Tissue Culture Inserts
Published on: November 1, 2024
A truncated form of fibronectin is expressed in fish and mammals
Xiangyu Liu1, Qingshun Zhao, Paul Collodi
1Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 125 S. Russell St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Abstract:
Fibronectin is a highly conserved and well-characterized extracellular matrix protein that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes. In amphibians, birds and mammals, multiple isoforms of fibronectin are generated by differential RNA splicing at three exons. Previously, we identified a novel form of fibronectin (FN2) in zebrafish that possesses a truncated structure and is generated by a unique RNA splicing pattern. Unlike other fibronectins, FN2 exists as a monomer and localizes on the cell surface. Here we show that this novel fibronectin is evolutionarily conserved, found in multiple species of fish and in mice and humans. The unusual structure, unique cellular distribution and conserved pattern of expression indicate that FN2 may have a novel function in normal cellular processes.
Related Concept Videos
Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM
Both proteoglycans and collagen are attached to fibronectin proteins, which, in turn, are attached to integrin proteins. These integrin proteins interact with transmembrane...
Fibrous Proteins
Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
Globular and Fibrous Proteins
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...
Integrins
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...

