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Related Concept Videos

The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

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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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The Extracellular Matrix01:42

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Extracellular Matrix01:26

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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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Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

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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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Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

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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...
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Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins01:21

Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins

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Proteoglycans are extensively glycosylated proteins, commonly found in the extracellular matrix, interwoven with collagen fibers. Hyaline cartilage, the most common type of cartilage in the body, consists of short and dispersed collagen fibers associated with large amounts of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans have long negative charges that attract cations, which in turn attract water molecules. This influx of ions and water molecules swells up the proteoglycan like a water-soaked gel that can...
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Extracellular matrixes and neuroinflammation.

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The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in human tissue structure and cellular functions. This review details ECM

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and regulates cellular activities like migration and proliferation.
  • ECM is implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous human diseases.
  • ECM comprises proteins and polysaccharides (e.g., chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid), each with distinct functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known functions of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in neuroinflammation.
  • To explore ECM's role in both acute injury and chronic inflammatory central nervous system diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on ECM and neuroinflammation.
  • Synthesis of findings on ECM components and their roles in cellular processes.
  • Analysis of ECM's involvement in central nervous system inflammatory conditions.

Main Results:

  • ECM is crucial for regulating cellular processes including migration, differentiation, proliferation, and cell death.
  • Emerging evidence highlights ECM's significant involvement in inflammatory responses across various human tissues.
  • Specific ECM components exert unique influences on cellular and pathophysiological events.

Conclusions:

  • The extracellular matrix (ECM) is integral to the structural integrity and functional regulation of human tissues.
  • ECM significantly impacts neuroinflammation, affecting outcomes in acute injuries and chronic central nervous system diseases.
  • Understanding ECM's role is vital for developing therapeutic strategies for neurological inflammatory disorders.