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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...
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...
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
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...
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...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Fabricating a Kidney Cortex Extracellular Matrix-Derived Hydrogel
08:23

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Published on: October 13, 2018

Extracellular matrix dynamics and fetal membrane rupture.

Jerome F Strauss1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. jfstrauss@vcu.edu

Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|January 24, 2012
PubMed
Summary

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for tissue strength and cell function. Changes in ECM metabolism contribute to fetal membrane changes preceding parturition and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

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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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Production of Extracellular Matrix Fibers via Sacrificial Hollow Fiber Membrane Cell Culture
06:01

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Published on: February 2, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • The extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital for tissue structure, cell anchoring, and growth factor storage.
  • ECM composition dictates tissue properties like strength and degradation susceptibility.
  • ECM components can release bioactive matrikines affecting cell function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of ECM synthesis, metabolism, and turnover in fetal membrane changes.
  • To explore ECM's contribution to normal parturition and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on ECM synthesis, metabolism, and function.
  • Analysis of ECM alterations in fetal membranes during pregnancy and parturition.

Main Results:

  • ECM alterations influence tissue strength and susceptibility to degradation.
  • Defects in ECM metabolism contribute to fetal membrane remodeling.
  • ECM changes are implicated in both normal labor and PPROM.

Conclusions:

  • The ECM is a dynamic regulator of tissue form and function.
  • ECM synthesis and degradation processes are critical in fetal membrane integrity.
  • Dysregulation of ECM metabolism is a key factor in PPROM pathogenesis.