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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...

The Extracellular Matrix

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 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...

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

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 Interactions

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 Migration

Cell Migration

Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Preparation of Tunable Extracellular Matrix Microenvironments to Evaluate Schwann Cell Phenotype Specification

Preparation of Tunable Extracellular Matrix Microenvironments to Evaluate Schwann Cell Phenotype Specification

Published on: June 2, 2020

A transitional extracellular matrix instructs cell behavior during muscle regeneration.

Sarah Calve¹, Shannon J Odelberg, Hans-Georg Simon

¹Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Children's Memorial Research Center, 2300 Children's Plaza, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. s-calve@northwestern.edu

Developmental Biology

|May 19, 2010

Summary

Amphibian limb regeneration involves progenitor cells forming a blastema. The extracellular matrix, including hyaluronic acid, tenascin-C, and fibronectin, guides cell behaviors crucial for this regeneration.

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Area of Science:

Regenerative Biology
Developmental Biology
Extracellular Matrix Biology

Background:

Urodele amphibians regenerate appendages via progenitor cell recruitment into a blastema.
Extensive extracellular matrix remodeling occurs during blastema formation.
The influence of the remodeled matrix on progenitor cell behavior during regeneration is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate whether the remodeled extracellular matrix directly influences the generation and behavior of blastemal progenitor cells during amphibian appendage regeneration.
To elucidate the specific roles of key extracellular matrix components in directing cellular behaviors within the regeneration blastema.

Main Methods:

Integration of in vivo 3-dimensional spatiotemporal matrix mapping with in vitro functional time-lapse imaging.
Analysis of cellular behaviors such as DNA synthesis, migration, myotube fragmentation, and myoblast fusion in response to defined matrix components.

Main Results:

Key extracellular matrix components (hyaluronic acid, tenascin-C, fibronectin) differentially direct cellular behaviors.
Both satellite cells and fragmenting myofibers contribute to the regeneration blastema.
The local extracellular environment provides instructive cues for the regenerative process.

Conclusions:

The extracellular matrix plays a direct, instructive role in guiding cellular behaviors during amphibian appendage regeneration.
Cellular responses to extracellular matrix cues in regeneration are conserved between amphibians and mammals, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved mechanism.