Extracellular matrix interactions with cells, effects

Structure and function of the cell formations of higher organisms are highly dependent on adhesive interactions based on direct cell-cell contact and on interactions of cells with the extracellular matrix. Adhesion between cells and with the extracellular matrix has a regulatory influence on migratory behavior, proliferation and differentiation of an individual cell within the cell formation. The adhesion processes thus do not only serve to simply hold cells together in the formation. They also have a regulatory effect... 

Mechanical responses of cells to physical or chemical stimuli include cell growth patterns, morphology, adhesion, and motility. Many mammalian cells grown in culture are adherent. For such cells, the adhesive interactions with the physical environment (extracellular matrix or other cells) are a critical determinant of their biochemistry and behavior. Microfluidics has become a useful tool for studying these interactions. Many of these studies are reviewed elsewhere ( Cell Adhesion and Detachment), so the focus here is on assays that evaluate the effects of physical or chemical cues on cell morphology or motility. 

---