The Extracellular Matrix: Not Just Pretty Fibrils
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Hynes_The extracellular.pdf
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1.77 MB
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Adobe PDF
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Author(s)
Hynes, Richard O
Date Issued
November 2009
Journal
Science
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Citation
Hynes, R. O. “The Extracellular Matrix: Not Just Pretty Fibrils.” Science 326, no. 5957 (November 26, 2009): 1216-1219.
Version
Author's final manuscript
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM proteins are important in phenomena as diverse as developmental patterning, stem cell niches, cancer, and genetic diseases. The ECM has many effects beyond providing structural support. ECM proteins typically include multiple, independently folded domains whose sequences and arrangement are highly conserved. Some of these domains bind adhesion receptors such as integrins that mediate cell-matrix adhesion and also transduce signals into cells. However, ECM proteins also bind soluble growth factors and regulate their distribution, activation, and presentation to cells. As organized, solid-phase ligands, ECM proteins can integrate complex, multivalent signals to cells in a spatially patterned and regulated fashion. These properties need to be incorporated into considerations of the functions of the ECM.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biology
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT
Terms of Use
Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1176009
