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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...

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...

The Tumor Microenvironment

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...

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...

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

A Biomimetic Model for Liver Cancer to Study Tumor-Stroma Interactions in a 3D Environment with Tunable Bio-Physical Properties

A Biomimetic Model for Liver Cancer to Study Tumor-Stroma Interactions in a 3D Environment with Tunable Bio-Physical Properties

Published on: August 7, 2020

Extracellular matrix transcriptome dynamics in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Michael B Duncan¹

¹Section of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.

Matrix Biology : Journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology

|June 4, 2013

Summary

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is remodeled in liver cancer, impacting tumor growth. This study analyzed ECM gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma, revealing significant alterations and new therapeutic targets.

Keywords:

Cancer Collagen Glycoprotein Proteoglycan RNA-Seq

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A Biomimetic Model for Liver Cancer to Study Tumor-Stroma Interactions in a 3D Environment with Tunable Bio-Physical Properties

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Published on: August 7, 2020

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Mass Cytometry Analysis of Systemic and Local Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Mass Cytometry Analysis of Systemic and Local Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: April 25, 2025

Area of Science:

Oncology
Molecular Biology
Cancer Research

Background:

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), influencing cell adhesion and growth factor availability.
While ECM deposition correlates with HCC progression, the global changes in ECM gene expression and underlying molecular mechanisms in HCC remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To comprehensively analyze the extracellular matrix transcriptome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
To identify differentially expressed ECM genes and alternative transcript variants in HCC.
To provide a framework for understanding ECM dynamics in cancer and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

Utilized RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) consortium.
Performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the ECM transcriptome in HCC.
Identified differential gene expression of collagens, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans.

Main Results:

Demonstrated substantial differential gene expression of key ECM components in HCC.
Revealed alternative expression of ECM gene transcript variants with potential impacts on biological activity.
Highlighted significant alterations in the ECM transcriptome specific to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusions:

The study reveals significant alterations in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) extracellular matrix (ECM) transcriptome.
Identified specific ECM genes and transcript variants that are dysregulated in HCC.
Provides a foundation for future research into ECM-targeted therapies for liver cancer.