- Extracellular matrix can be defined as a matrix associated with the extracellular part of cells (cell surface) in the tissue.
- It is highly complex, dynamic in molecular composition but organized structure surrounding the cells (Cukierman et al., 2002).
- It has many functions in addition to providing structural support to tissue and signal transduction in response to external cues.
- ECM is secreted by the cells in a tissue.
- Integrins, a family of heterodimeric, transmembrane cell surface receptors interact with ECM components, thereby important for the assembly of ECM around the cells.
- ECM-integrin interaction regulates many cellular functions including cell migration, differentiation, proliferation and cell death.
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