Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

Extracellular Matrix: Structure, Function, and Proteins

Description

This lecture covers the extracellular matrix (ECM), including collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and proteoglycans. It explains how the ECM is made and remodeled by cells, its role in regulating cell function, and the unique features of different tissues. The lecture also delves into adhesive proteins like integrins, collagen receptors, and laminin receptors, detailing their functions and activation states. Furthermore, it explores the mechanical properties of the ECM, such as elasticity and stiffness, and the implications of the ECM in tissue differentiation, growth, and response to injury.

This video is available exclusively on Mediaspace for a restricted audience. Please log in to MediaSpace to access it if you have the necessary permissions.

Watch on Mediaspace

Instructors (2)

Romain Zufferey

Maartje Martina Cornelia Bastings

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Collagen

Collagen (ˈkɒlədʒən) is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix found in the body's various connective tissues. As the main component of connective tissue, it is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up from 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. Collagen consists of amino acids bound together to form a triple helix of elongated fibril known as a collagen helix. It is mostly found in connective tissue such as cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin.

Integrin

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that help cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion. Upon ligand binding, integrins activate signal transduction pathways that mediate cellular signals such as regulation of the cell cycle, organization of the intracellular cytoskeleton, and movement of new receptors to the cell membrane. The presence of integrins allows rapid and flexible responses to events at the cell surface (e.g. signal platelets to initiate an interaction with coagulation factors).

Laminin

Laminins are a family of glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix of all animals. They are major components of the basal lamina (one of the layers of the basement membrane), the protein network foundation for most cells and organs. The laminins are an important and biologically active part of the basal lamina, influencing cell differentiation, migration, and adhesion. Laminins are heterotrimeric proteins with a high molecular mass (~400 to ~900 kDa).

Fibronectin

Fibronectin is a high-molecular weight (~500-~600 kDa) glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix that binds to membrane-spanning receptor proteins called integrins. It is approved for marketing as a topical solution in India by Central Drugs Standard Control organization in 2020 under the brand name FIBREGA for chronic wounds. Fibronectin also binds to other extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen, fibrin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (e.g. syndecans).

Proteoglycan

Proteoglycans are proteins that are heavily glycosylated. The basic proteoglycan unit consists of a "core protein" with one or more covalently attached glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain(s). The point of attachment is a serine (Ser) residue to which the glycosaminoglycan is joined through a tetrasaccharide bridge (e.g. chondroitin sulfate-GlcA-Gal-Gal-Xyl-PROTEIN). The Ser residue is generally in the sequence -Ser-Gly-X-Gly- (where X can be any amino acid residue but proline), although not every protein with this sequence has an attached glycosaminoglycan.

Related lectures (32)

Macro-materials for Tissue Engineering

Covers the use of macro-materials in tissue engineering, including key components, scaffold classification, bioresorbable polymers, and hydrogel applications.

Invasion & Metastasis: Mechanisms and Implications

Explores the mechanisms of cancer invasion and metastasis, emphasizing the critical role of cell adhesion, signaling rewiring, and organotropism.

Immune Tissue Engineering: Mechanisms and Applications

Explores immune tissue engineering, focusing on cell manipulation, immune cell types, and adaptive immune response levels, highlighting the importance of engineering immune cells for targeted therapies.

Immune Cell Engineering: Targeting Checkpoint Inhibitors

Explores immune cell engineering for cancer therapy, emphasizing checkpoint inhibitor targeting through innovative delivery methods.

Gene Regulatory Networks MOOC: Neuroscience Reconstructed: Genetics and Brain Development