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Updated: May 27, 2026
09:04
A Human 3D Extracellular Matrix-Adipocyte Culture Model for Studying Matrix-Cell Metabolic Crosstalk
Published on: November 7, 2019
ECM roles in the function of metabolic tissues
Guorui Huang1, Daniel S Greenspan
1Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|November 11, 2011
Summary
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and instructional cues for specialized cells. This review highlights ECM
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are produced by all metazoan cells and provide structural support.
- Beyond structural roles, tissue-specific ECMs create microenvironments that instruct cell behavior and phenotype.
- Emerging evidence indicates ECM components influence metabolic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of the ECM in the development and function of specialized metabolic cells.
- To explore how ECM interactions inform the proper phenotypes and behaviors of adipocytes and islet beta cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vivo and in vitro studies.
- Synthesis of data on ECM-cell interactions in metabolic tissues.
Main Results:
- ECMs are crucial for the structural integrity of all tissues.
- Tissue-specific ECMs play instructional roles, guiding cell phenotypes and functions.
- ECM components significantly impact the metabolic functions of specialized cells like adipocytes and islet beta cells.
Conclusions:
- The ECM is a critical regulator of specialized cell development and function in metabolic tissues.
- Understanding ECM-cell interactions is key to comprehending metabolic health and disease.
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