Extracellular matrix signaling in morphogenesis and repair

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critically important for many cellular processes including growth, differentiation, survival, and morphogenesis. Cells remodel and reshape the ECM by degrading and reassembling it, playing an active role in sculpting their surrounding environment and directing their own phenotypes. Both mechanical and biochemical molecules influence ECM dynamics in multiple ways; by releasing small bioactive signaling molecules, releasing growth factors stored within the ECM, eliciting structural changes to matrix proteins which expose cryptic sites and by degrading matrix proteins directly. The dynamic reciprocal communication between cells and the ECM plays a fundamental roll in tissue development, homeostasis, and wound healing.

Biohybrid cardiac ECM-based hydrogels improve long term cardiac function post myocardial infarction

“…[8,16,19,37] ECM's dynamic reciprocal communication with the tissue's cellular component plays a fundamental role in tissue development, signaling and function. [38,39] Though ECM components in different tissues may be similar, each tissue holds a unique combination and 3D structure of macromolecules that provide the cells with the required cues and mechanical support. [40] Cardiac acellular ECM should, therefore, be an ideal candidate biomaterial to serve as a scaffold for myocardial tissue engineering.…”

An introduction to the wound healing assay using live-cell microscopy

“…It is important to recognize that the ECM does more than provide an adhesive surface for the cells and can also participate in signalling involved in cell migration. 30 In addition, the stiffness of the underlying substrate can also modulate the dynamics of the migration into the gap. 31 The dish or chamber used to culture the cells should be carefully chosen to match the experimental approach.…”

Integrin α3β1 Binding to Fibronectin Is Dependent on the Ninth Type III Repeat

“…Integrins are heterodimeric proteins consisting of one ␣ and one ␤ subunit, which are known to form at least 24 unique heterodimers (1). Integrin interactions with their ECM ligands facilitate a host of cellular responses, including cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, and can contribute to more orchestrated cellular events, such as angiogenesis and epithelial to mesenchymal transitions, among others (2)(3)(4). Integrin binding to ECM ligands occurs through specific binding sequences, the most notable of these sequences being Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), which is found on a large number of ECM proteins, including fibronectin, vitronectin, osteoponin, laminin, thrombospondin, and several others (5).…”