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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

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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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

A Human 3D Extracellular Matrix-Adipocyte Culture Model for Studying Matrix-Cell Metabolic Crosstalk

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Published on: November 7, 2019

Revisiting the extracellular lifestyle.

Guillaume Dumenil¹

¹INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, F-75015 France. guillaume.dumenil@inserm.fr

Cellular Microbiology

|May 28, 2011

Summary

A new pathogen lifestyle, termed 'epicellular', is emerging. This category describes extracellular pathogens interacting closely with host cells, challenging traditional classifications and offering new insights into pathogen-host interactions.

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Pathogen Biology
Cellular Microbiology

Background:

Traditionally, pathogens are classified as intracellular or extracellular based on their replication site.
Recent studies reveal extracellular pathogens interacting closely with host cell surfaces, embedded in membrane folds.
This blurs the strict intracellular/extracellular classification, suggesting a new lifestyle category.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the emerging 'epicellular' lifestyle of pathogens.
To examine the location, adhesion mechanisms, and functional consequences of this interaction.
To compare diverse pathogens exhibiting this lifestyle.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on pathogen-host interactions.
Comparative analysis of three diverse pathogens: Cryptosporidium parvum, Neisseria meningitidis, and HTLV-1.

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Examination of cellular location, adhesion, membrane fold induction, and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

Identified an 'epicellular' lifestyle where extracellular pathogens associate with host cell membrane folds.
Compared adhesion mechanisms and plasma membrane interactions of diverse pathogens.
Highlighted functional consequences including nutrient acquisition, immune evasion, and transmission.

Conclusions:

The 'epicellular' classification offers a new perspective on pathogen-host interactions.
This lifestyle provides pathogens with advantages in nutrient uptake, immune escape, and survival.
Re-evaluation of classically extracellular pathogens may reveal similar epicellular strategies.