Significance of Extracellular matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and polysaccharides that offers structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells. It plays a crucial role in tissue engineering, cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The ECM is essential for maintaining tissue integrity, facilitating tissue repair, and influencing various biological processes such as remodeling and healing. Its composition can change significantly during conditions like fibrosis and cancer, highlighting its importance in health and disease.
Synonyms: Connective tissue matrix, Connective tissue matrix.
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The concept of Extracellular matrix in scientific sources
The extracellular matrix is essential for providing structural and biochemical support to cells, playing a crucial role in tissue integrity and repair during conditions like osteoarthritis, and it is characterized by abundant glycoproteins in keloids.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Extracellular matrix is the material that surrounds cells, and its degradation can be detected in the cervicovaginal secretions.[1] (2) This is the environment surrounding cells, and the growth factors secreted by mast cells, like platelet-derived growth factor, are found in this area.[2] (3) This is a network of proteins and other molecules that provides support to cells, and the text mentions its use in wound healing.[3] (4) Biologic tissues consist of living cells, the extracellular matrix and the signaling systems which are brought into play through differential activation of genes or cascades of genes whose secreted or transcriptional products are responsible for tissue building and differentiation.[4] (5) This is a mucilaginous substance that covers the rodlet layer, and helps the conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus stick to the substrate.[5]