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Related Concept Videos

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...
Cell Motility through Blebbing01:16

Cell Motility through Blebbing

Blebs are a type of membrane protrusion formed by the internal hydrostatic pressure of the cytoplasm. Blebs are observed in several cell types, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and single-celled organisms like the amoeba. The primary function of blebs is cell locomotion and apoptosis, but they are also found during necrosis and cell division. The life cycle of a bleb comprises an initiation phase followed by the expansion and retraction phases.
Blebbing Through the Matrix
In multicellular...
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...
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another  cell. These cell junctions are classified  into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...
Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions01:14

Overview of Cell-Cell Junctions

The complex three-dimensional arrangement of cells in any multicellular organism is defined and maintained by interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular matrix. Cell-cell junctions are specialized structures where the multi-protein complexes on one cell interact with the multi-protein complexes on another  cell. These cell junctions are classified  into three main types based on their function — occluding, anchoring, and gap junctions.
Occluding or Tight Junctions
Tight...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Using Cell-substrate Impedance and Live Cell Imaging to Measure Real-time Changes in Cellular Adhesion and De-adhesion Induced by Matrix Modification
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Using Cell-substrate Impedance and Live Cell Imaging to Measure Real-time Changes in Cellular Adhesion and De-adhesion Induced by Matrix Modification

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The myoendothelial junction: breaking through the matrix?

Katherine R Heberlein1, Adam C Straub, Brant E Isakson

  • 1Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottsville, Virginia 22908, USA.

Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994)
|March 31, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Myoendothelial junctions are specialized vascular cell extensions crucial for regulating blood vessel function and disease. Further research is needed to understand their complex signaling roles.

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Using Cell-substrate Impedance and Live Cell Imaging to Measure Real-time Changes in Cellular Adhesion and De-adhesion Induced by Matrix Modification
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09:20

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Published on: October 4, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Cellular Physiology

Background:

  • Specialized cellular extensions, myoendothelial junctions, connect endothelial and smooth muscle cells within the vasculature.
  • These junctions are implicated in regulating vascular physiology and pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the significance of myoendothelial junctions as a vascular integration point.
  • To explore their role in homeostatic and pathological conditions.
  • To highlight the need for novel research approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and observations on myoendothelial junctions.
  • Analysis of their proposed roles in vascular signaling.
  • Identification of knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • Myoendothelial junctions serve as critical cellular integration points in the vasculature.
  • They are involved in both normal physiological functions and disease processes.
  • Their potential as independent signaling entities is recognized.

Conclusions:

  • Myoendothelial junctions are key to vascular integration and signaling.
  • Understanding their cellular biology requires innovative study methods.
  • Further investigation is essential for comprehending vascular health and disease.