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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

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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Engineering Three-dimensional Epithelial Tissues Embedded within Extracellular Matrix
08:49

Engineering Three-dimensional Epithelial Tissues Embedded within Extracellular Matrix

Published on: July 10, 2016

The extracellular matrix in development and morphogenesis: a dynamic view.

Tania Rozario1, Douglas W DeSimone

  • 1Department of Cell Biology and the Morphogenesis and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Virginia, PO Box 800732, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

Developmental Biology
|October 27, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital for embryonic development, influencing cell growth, survival, and shape. Its structure and physical properties regulate cell signaling and tissue formation.

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for embryonic development, supporting cell growth, survival, differentiation, and morphogenesis.
  • ECM molecules interact with cellular receptors, linking to the cytoskeleton and enabling intracellular-extracellular communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions of ECM molecules in cell and tissue development.
  • To summarize recent findings on ECM's role in key developmental processes.
  • To highlight ECM as a dynamic reservoir for growth factors and its influence on cell signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on ECM composition, structure, and function.
  • Analysis of ECM's role in embryonic development and morphogenesis.
  • Examination of ECM's mechanical properties and their impact on cell signaling.

Main Results:

  • ECM is critical for cell growth, survival, differentiation, and morphogenesis.
  • ECM acts as a dynamic repository for growth factors.
  • ECM's 3D organization and physical properties significantly influence cell signaling and morphogenetic behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • The extracellular matrix is indispensable for embryonic development, regulating cell behavior and tissue formation.
  • Emerging research focuses on mechanical signals from ECM-cell interactions in development.