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The Extracellular Matrix

The Extracellular Matrix

In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.

The Extracellular Matrix

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...

Extracellular Matrix

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Utilizing the Precision-Cut Lung Slice to Study the Contractile Regulation of Airway and Intrapulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle

Utilizing the Precision-Cut Lung Slice to Study the Contractile Regulation of Airway and Intrapulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle

Published on: May 5, 2022

Extracellular matrix proteins differentially regulate airway smooth muscle phenotype and function.

Bart G J Dekkers¹, Dedmer Schaafsma, S Adriaan Nelemans

¹Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University Centre for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands. B.G.J.Dekkers@rug.nl

American Journal of Physiology. Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology

|February 13, 2007

Summary

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins like fibronectin and collagen I alter airway smooth muscle (ASM) function and proliferation. These ECM proteins reduce ASM contractility while increasing cell growth, impacting airway remodeling in lung diseases.

More Related Videos

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice

Published on: June 25, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Utilizing the Precision-Cut Lung Slice to Study the Contractile Regulation of Airway and Intrapulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle

Utilizing the Precision-Cut Lung Slice to Study the Contractile Regulation of Airway and Intrapulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle

Published on: May 5, 2022

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice

Published on: June 25, 2012

Area of Science:

Pulmonary Medicine
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Airway remodeling in asthma and COPD involves changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass.
ECM proteins may differentially influence ASM cell proliferation and phenotypic marker expression.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the functional relevance of ECM proteins in modulating ASM contractility.
To understand how ECM proteins affect the phenotype and function of intact ASM.

Main Methods:

Bovine tracheal smooth muscle (BTSM) strips were cultured for 4 days with ECM proteins (fibronectin, collagen I, laminin) and PDGF.
Contractile responses to methacholine and KCl were measured.
Proliferation of cultured BTSM cells was assessed.
Integrin antagonist RGDS was used to block fibronectin effects.

Main Results:

Fibronectin and collagen I decreased maximal contraction (Emax) and contractile protein expression in BTSM strips.
These ECM proteins increased proliferation of cultured BTSM cells.
PDGF augmented proliferation additively but did not affect contractility.
RGDS blocked fibronectin-induced depression of contractility.
Laminin modulated PDGF effects but had no independent impact.

Conclusions:

ECM proteins differentially regulate ASM phenotype and function.
ECM-induced changes in contractility correlate with proliferation and contractile protein expression.
ECM proteins play a significant role in airway smooth muscle remodeling.