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The Extracellular Matrix

The Extracellular Matrix

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...

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

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...

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...

Master Transcription Regulators

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

A Rapid, Scalable Method for the Isolation, Functional Study, and Analysis of Cell-derived Extracellular Matrix

A Rapid, Scalable Method for the Isolation, Functional Study, and Analysis of Cell-derived Extracellular Matrix

Published on: January 4, 2017

The extracellular matrix regulates MaeuCath1a gene expression.

Stephen S Wanyonyi¹, Christophe Lefevre, Julie A Sharp

¹Molecular and Medical Research SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd., Waurn Ponds, 3217 VIC, Australia. stephenw@deakin.edu.au

Developmental and Comparative Immunology

|March 19, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The extracellular matrix regulates the MaeuCath1a gene in wallaby milk, impacting antimicrobial protection and mammary growth. This study identified specific DNA regions controlling this gene expression during lactation.

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Area of Science:

Mammalian lactation biology
Antimicrobial peptide gene regulation
Extracellular matrix signaling

Background:

The wallaby cathelicidin gene (MaeuCath1) produces two variants (MaeuCath1a and MaeuCath1b) with distinct roles in newborn protection and mammary growth.
Temporal regulation of these variants is crucial for successful lactation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the regulatory role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in MaeuCath1 gene expression.
To identify specific DNA regions within the MaeuCath1 promoter responsive to ECM signaling.

Main Methods:

Culture of Wallaby mammary epithelial cells (WallMEC) on ECM.
Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to assess gene expression.
Luciferase reporter assays and in silico promoter analysis.
Electrophoretic Gel Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA) to study protein-DNA interactions.

Main Results:

ECM significantly regulates MaeuCath1a gene expression in a lactation phase-dependent manner.
A positive regulatory region was identified between -709 and -15 base pairs upstream of the translation start site.
A repressor region was located between -919 and -710 base pairs, with ECM-induced differential DNA binding observed in this region.

Conclusions:

The extracellular matrix plays a critical role in modulating the expression of the antimicrobial peptide gene MaeuCath1a.
Specific promoter regions are involved in mediating ECM-dependent transcriptional control, highlighting a novel regulatory mechanism in mammary gland function.