Extracellular matrix signaling in morphogenesis and repair
Kelly C Clause1, Thomas H Barker
1The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, 313 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|June 4, 2013
Summary
Cells actively remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) through degradation and reassembly, influencing cellular functions. This dynamic cell-ECM communication is vital for tissue development, homeostasis, and healing.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cellular processes like growth, differentiation, survival, and morphogenesis.
- Cells actively remodel the ECM, influencing their surrounding environment and phenotypes.
- ECM remodeling involves degradation and reassembly, a dynamic process crucial for tissue function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of cells in actively remodeling the extracellular matrix.
- To highlight the reciprocal communication between cells and the ECM.
- To emphasize the significance of ECM dynamics in physiological and pathological processes.
Main Methods:
- Investigated cellular mechanisms involved in ECM remodeling.
- Analyzed the influence of mechanical and biochemical factors on ECM dynamics.
- Examined the impact of cell-ECM interactions on cellular phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Cells actively reshape the ECM by degrading and reassembling matrix components.
- Mechanical and biochemical cues modulate ECM dynamics through various mechanisms.
- These mechanisms include releasing bioactive molecules, growth factors, and altering matrix protein structure.
Conclusions:
- The dynamic, reciprocal communication between cells and the ECM is fundamental to tissue development, homeostasis, and wound healing.
- Cellular remodeling of the ECM plays a critical role in directing cellular behavior and tissue architecture.
- Understanding these interactions is key to advancing regenerative medicine and disease treatment.
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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...
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Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
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01:42The Extracellular Matrix
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01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
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01:26Extracellular Matrix
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01:24Overview 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...