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Multi‐faceted regulation of cell differentiation by extracellular matrix
Author(s) -
Lin Claudia Q.,
Bissell Mina J.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.7.9.8330681
Subject(s) - extracellular matrix , microbiology and biotechnology , cellular differentiation , biology , transcription factor , regulation of gene expression , regulator , cell , cell type , function (biology) , gene expression , carcinogenesis , gene , genetics
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is an intricate network composed of an array of macromolecules, the importance of which is becoming increasingly apparent. The ECM is an integral part of the machinery that regulates cell function; its role in cell differentiation and tissue‐specific gene expression, although essential, is not yet understood. It can act as a positive as well as a negative regulator of functional differentiation depending on the cell type and the genes studied. It also acts in a hierarchical fashion, exacting higher and higher degrees of stringency to achieve full functional differentiation. Regulation by ECM is closely interrelated with the action of other regulators of cellular function, such as growth factors and hormones. But ECM may exert its regulation of gene expression by mechanisms distinct from those known for soluble transcription factors. In this short review, we describe three systems in which ECM has been shown to play a crucial role in functional differentiation, but we emphasize mainly the work from our own laboratory to provide a more in‐depth analysis of one system. The three systems are: mouse mammary epithelial cells, rat hepatocytes, and human keratinocytes. The crucial role of ECM in normal cell differentiation implies that its alteration may have serious consequences in malignancies and other diseases. The current functional cell culture models could provide powerful tools not only for understanding regulation of normal cell function but also for the studies of tumorigenesis and possibly cancer therapy.—Lin, C. Q., Bissell, M.J. Multi‐faceted regulation of cell differentiation by extracellular matrix. FASEB J. 7: 737‐743; 1993.