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Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecules

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Tissue Engineering

Part of the book series: Learning Materials in Biosciences ((LMB))

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Abstract

In this chapter, students will learn about the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) – a complex meshwork of fibers and ground substance that surrounds cells in all types of tissues. The importance of adhesion of cells to each other and to components of ECM for differentiation, growth, migration, and survival of cells is then discussed. This process is achieved via cell adhesion molecules (CAM), a group of transmembrane proteins that includes cadherins, immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF), selectins, and integrins. We then touch upon another group of proteins called glycoproteins that stabilize the ECM, link it to cell surfaces, and connect with other proteins. Most prominent of those molecules are fibronectin, laminin, tenascin, and osteopontin. We then overview the collagen, the most prevalent protein in the human body that forms fibrils of different widths and lengths. Lastly, we talk about adhesion molecules that can be used to attach cells to either flat surfaces of culture plates or scaffolds in cases of 3D cultures. These include coating agents, such as gelatin, type I collagen, polylysine, and others, and their presence helps cells to attach, survive, and proliferate.

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References and Further Reading

  1. W.P. Michael, H. Ross, “Connective Tissue,” in Histology A TEXT AND ATLAS. With Correlated Cell and Molecular Biology. 156–193 (2015)

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  2. M. Canel, A. Serrels, M.C. Frame, V.G. Brunton, E-cadherin-integrin crosstalk in cancer invasion and metastasis. J. Cell Sci. 126(2), 393–401 (2013)

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  3. A.A. Khalili, M.R. Ahmad, A Review of Cell Adhesion Studies for Biomedical and Biological Applications. Int J. Mol Sci. 16(8), 18149–18184 (2015)

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  4. L.T. Saldin, M.C. Cramer, S.S. Velankar, L.J. White, S.F. Badylak, Extracellular matrix hydrogels from decellularized tissues: Structure and function. Acta Biomater. (49), 1–15 (2017)

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  5. N. Rajan, J. Habermehl, M.F. Coté, C.J. Doillon, D. Mantovani, Preparation of ready-to-use, storable and reconstituted type I collagen from rat tail tendon for tissue engineering applications. Nat. Protoc. 1(6), 2753–2758 (2007)

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  6. E. Kheir, T. Stapleton, D. Shaw, Z. Jin, J. Fisher, and E. Ingham, Development and characterization of an acellular porcine cartilage bone matrix for use in tissue engineering. J. Biomed. Mater. Res A. 99 A(2), 283–294 (2011)

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia

    Liana Hayrapetyan

  2. The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

    Narine Sarvazyan

Authors
  1. Liana Hayrapetyan
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  2. Narine Sarvazyan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Narine Sarvazyan .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

    Narine Sarvazyan

Self-Check Questions

Self-Check Questions

  1. Q.3.1.

    The main components of the ground substance include the following, EXCEPT

    1. A.

      Proteoglycans

    2. B.

      Glycosaminoglycans

    3. C.

      Cadherins

    4. D.

      Glycoproteins

  1. Q.3.2.

    Choose the correct statement.

    1. A.

      Occluding junctions are involved in cell-to-cell recognition, morphogenesis, and differentiation.

    2. B.

      Communicating junctions allow small molecules to diffuse in and out of the cells.

    3. C.

      Anchoring junctions seal off fluid passage between the adjacent cells.

    4. D.

      Selectins are found in all types of cells and tissues.

  1. Q.3.3.

    The role of ECM is to

    1. A.

      Mechanically anchor the cells

    2. B.

      Enable communication between different cells

    3. C.

      Bind growth factors

    4. D.

      All of the above

  1. Q.3.4.

    These three molecules do not belong to the same class/family:

    1. A.

      Cadherin, selectin, integrin

    2. B.

      Fibronectin, laminin, osteopontin

    3. C.

      Collagen, elastin, immunoglobulin

    4. D.

      Dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, hyaluronan

  1. Q.3.5.

    Which protein should not be used for cell attachment to plastic or glass surfaces?

    1. A.

      Collagen

    2. B.

      Albumin

    3. C.

      Polylysine

    4. D.

      Laminin

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Hayrapetyan, L., Sarvazyan, N. (2020). Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecules. In: Sarvazyan, N. (eds) Tissue Engineering. Learning Materials in Biosciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39698-5_3

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