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Related Concept Videos

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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tissues01:18

Tissues

Cells with similar structure and function are grouped into tissues. A group of tissues with a specialized function is called an organ. There are four main types of tissue in vertebrates: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

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Improving 2D and 3D Skin In Vitro Models Using Macromolecular Crowding
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Tissue architecture and function: dynamic reciprocity via extra- and intra-cellular matrices.

Ren Xu1, Aaron Boudreau, Mina J Bissell

  • 1Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS 977-225A, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. RXu@lbl.gov

Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|January 23, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Mammary gland development relies on a balance of extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytoskeleton signals. Disruptions in this dynamic interplay can lead to cancer.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mammary gland function depends on biochemical and biophysical cues from its microenvironment.
  • The extracellular matrix (ECM), hormones, and growth factors encode the mammary gland's 3D microenvironment.
  • Signals transmit from ECM receptors through the cytoskeleton to the nucleus, influencing gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the necessity of ECM deposition and remodeling for mammary gland development.
  • To explain how the ECM provides structural and biochemical cues for tissue-specific function.
  • To highlight the cytoskeleton's role in mediating the dialogue between the nucleus and microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on mammary gland development and microenvironment interactions.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involving the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytoskeleton.
  • Discussion of the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression influenced by the microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • Coordinated ECM deposition and remodeling are crucial for mammary gland development.
  • The ECM provides essential structural and biochemical signals for tissue function.
  • The cytoskeleton mediates the communication between the cell nucleus and the microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • The dynamic integration of tissue architecture and function, mediated by the cytoskeleton, directs mammary gland development, polarity, and gene expression.
  • Cancer arises when these critical dynamic interactions within the mammary gland microenvironment are disrupted over time.