Related Experiment Videos
[Collagen and laminin: which messages for which cells?]
1Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, CNRS UPR 412, Lyon, France.
Pathologie-Biologie
|December 8, 1998
Summary
Animal cells interact with extracellular matrix proteins like collagens and laminins, which provide structure and signal cells. This review covers their types, cell receptors, and signal transduction mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Cells reside within a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of proteins.
- Collagens are abundant ECM proteins, while laminins are specific to basement membranes.
- Both collagens and laminins play roles beyond structural support, including cell signaling.
Purpose:
- To review the structure and diversity of collagens and laminins.
- To discuss the cell receptors (integrins and non-integrins) involved in ECM-cell communication.
- To explore potential mechanisms of signal transduction initiated by ECM components.
Summary:
- The extracellular matrix comprises diverse proteins, notably collagens (approx. 20 types) and laminins (approx. 12 types).
- Collagens are widespread, whereas laminins are primarily found in basement membranes.
- These ECM proteins interact with cell surface receptors, such as integrins and non-integrins, to transmit signals into the cell, influencing cellular behavior and function.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of ECM protein families and their signaling roles.
- Highlights the importance of cell-ECM interactions in tissue biology.
- Offers insights into the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction pathways activated by ECM components.