Open AccessBiology of the Extracellular Matrix
Author(s) -
Beatrice Y.J.T. Yue
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of glaucoma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.11
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1536-481X
pISSN - 1057-0829
DOI - 10.1097/ijg.0000000000000108
Subject(s) - extracellular matrix , microbiology and biotechnology , adhesion , matrix (chemical analysis) , cell adhesion , extracellular , polarity (international relations) , cell adhesion molecule , biology , cell , chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , chromatography
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an intricate network composed of an array of multidomain macromolecules organized in a cell/tissue-specific manner. Components of the ECM link together to form a structurally stable composite, contributing to the mechanical properties of tissues. The ECM is also a reservoir of growth factors and bioactive molecules. It is a highly dynamic entity that is of vital importance, determining and controlling the most fundamental behaviors and characteristics of cells such as proliferation, adhesion, migration, polarity, differentiation, and apoptosis.