Extracellular matrix ECM

In biology, extracellular matrix (ECM) is the extracellular part of animal tissue that usually provides structural support to the cells in addition to performing various other important functions. ECM is the defining feature of connective tissue in animals. ECM includes the interstitial matrix and the basement membrane. 

Extracellular Calcium-sensing Receptor (CaSR) Extracellular Matrix (ECM)... 

Most mammalian cells are located in tissues where they are surrounded by a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) often referred to as comiective tissue. The... 

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and/or Extracellular Domains of Membrane Proteins... 

The possibility of binding RGD to different receptors is probably caused by a different spatial conformation of RGD due to the vicinity of different amino acids or existence of different synergistic sequences on various extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. At the same time, one type of integrin can bind more ligands [38-40]. 

Figure 4.2. Diagram outlining the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Injury to parenchymal cells (PC) results in the activation of Kupffer cells (KC) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) and the recruitment of inflammatory cells (IC). These cells release cytokines, growth factors and reactive oxygen species that induce activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). HSCs gradually transform into myofibroblasts (MF), the major producers of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins.

The chemical part of the adhesion process dictates that in designing a surface for attachment of cells, one must seek to stimulate an active interaction between the surface and the scaffold. The surface properties of the scaffold are our main concerns. The surface should mimic the natural support structures on the human body. Extracellular matrix (ECM) provides cells with an interactive structure onto which they can adhere. This process (referred to as integrin-mediated binding) is a basis of cell growth. 

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