Cell–Extracellular Matrix Interactions

Abstract

Cells in tissues structural and biochemical support is given by the extracellular matrix (ECM).  The ECM plays a very important role in cellular signal transduction – the study of the link between mechanical inputs and cellular phenotype by either facilitating force transmission to the cells or presenting mechanically cues that govern cellular actions, according to a growing body of research. Developments in methodological approaches, particularly micro-technologies, tailored biomaterials, and imaging and analytical approaches, have aided recent advancements in cell mechanotransduction studies. Micro-technologies have made it possible to create and build controlled physical microenvironments for studying and measuring cell ECM interaction. Cell membrane receptors, whether implicitly or explicitly through co-operative molecules, facilitate ECM-cell interaction. The ECM is also in a constant state of remodeling, which has an impact on cell signaling pathways.