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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

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 Forces01:13

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...
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

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...
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

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.
Extracellular Matrix01:26

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...
Embryonic Connective Tissues01:20

Embryonic Connective Tissues

During early development, the embryo forms two types of connective tissues— the mesenchyme and mucoid connective tissue.
The mesenchyme is the first connective tissue that emerges in the developing embryo. It consists of loosely arranged multipotent mesenchymal cells and reticular fibers in the extracellular matrix. This loose arrangement allows easy migration of cells, which is essential for germ layer positioning, patterning, and organ morphogenesis during embryonic development. Mesenchyme is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
11:42

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells

Published on: April 7, 2017

Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions: past, present, and future.

Gerald R Cunha1

  • 1Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. CunhaG@urology.ucsf.edu

Differentiation; Research in Biological Diversity
|June 19, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Prostate development relies on reciprocal mesenchymal-epithelial interactions, with androgens playing a key role. Many androgenic effects on prostate epithelium are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR) in the mesenchyme, not the epithelium itself.

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Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
11:42

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells

Published on: April 7, 2017

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
10:37

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

Published on: August 27, 2013

Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
06:02

Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Published on: June 10, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Urology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions are crucial for organogenesis.
  • Prostatic development is a complex process involving distinct cell lineages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical research on mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in prostatic development.
  • To elucidate the roles of reciprocal signaling and androgen action in prostate formation.

Main Methods:

  • Historical literature review.
  • Analysis of tissue recombinants with wild-type and androgen receptor-null (AR-null) epithelium and mesenchyme.

Main Results:

  • Prostatic development requires reciprocal signaling: mesenchyme patterns epithelium, and epithelium patterns mesenchyme.
  • Androgen action via the androgen receptor (AR) is essential.
  • Many "androgenic effects" on epithelium are mediated by paracrine signaling from AR-positive mesenchyme.

Conclusions:

  • Mesenchymal-epithelial crosstalk is fundamental to prostatic development.
  • The androgen receptor in the mesenchyme plays a critical role in mediating androgenic effects on the developing prostate.
  • Future research should focus on the molecular mechanisms of this communication.