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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...

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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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Quantitative Measurement of Invadopodia-mediated Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis in Single and Multicellular Contexts

Quantitative Measurement of Invadopodia-mediated Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis in Single and Multicellular Contexts

Published on: August 27, 2012

A fluorescent core-shell dendritic macromolecule specifically stains the extracellular matrix.

Meizhen Yin¹, Jie Shen, Gert O Pflugfelder

¹Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

|June 3, 2008

Summary

Researchers developed a novel fluorescent dye that specifically binds to the extracellular matrix (ECM). This new tool enables direct visualization of the ECM network, aiding research in cell migration, stem cell differentiation, and cancer progression.

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Long-term Intravital Immunofluorescence Imaging of Tissue Matrix Components with Epifluorescence and Two-photon Microscopy

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Quantitative Measurement of Invadopodia-mediated Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis in Single and Multicellular Contexts

Quantitative Measurement of Invadopodia-mediated Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis in Single and Multicellular Contexts

Published on: August 27, 2012

Long-term Intravital Immunofluorescence Imaging of Tissue Matrix Components with Epifluorescence and Two-photon Microscopy

Long-term Intravital Immunofluorescence Imaging of Tissue Matrix Components with Epifluorescence and Two-photon Microscopy

Published on: April 22, 2014

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Materials Science

Background:

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for cellular functions like migration, differentiation, and cancer.
Direct visualization of the ECM network is currently limited.
Existing methods lack specificity or direct labeling capabilities for the ECM.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel fluorescent dye for direct and specific labeling of the ECM.
To create a tool for routine use in life science research for ECM visualization.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of a positively charged fluorescent core-shell dendritic macromolecule.
Incorporation of multiple amine (-NH2) groups for specific binding.
Testing the dye's binding affinity to negatively charged ECM components.
Evaluation of optical properties and biological specificity.

Main Results:

A novel fluorescent dye was successfully synthesized.
The dye exhibits specific binding to highly negatively charged ECM components.
The dye possesses advantageous optical properties for visualization.
The dye demonstrated utility as a routine tool for ECM labeling.

Conclusions:

A new fluorescent dye enables direct visualization of the ECM network.
This dye offers improved specificity and optical properties for ECM research.
The developed macromolecule serves as a valuable tool for studying ECM-related biological processes.