סקירה כללית של אינטראקציות תא-מטריקס

Cells interact with a network of locally secreted molecules surrounding the plasma membrane, called the extracellular matrix or ECM.

These interactions are mediated by large multimolecular complexes called cell-matrix adhesion complexes that are broadly distributed or clustered in distinct patches on the plasma membrane called cell-matrix junctions.

Each adhesion complex comprises transmembrane receptors and cytosolic adaptor proteins that link the cytoskeletal filaments with ligands in the ECM.

Integrin, the most prominent adhesion receptor, and its adaptor talin can bind any of the three major classes of ECM molecules: proteoglycans, which cushion the cell; collagen, which provides mechanical strength; and multi-adhesive soluble proteins such as fibronectin that cross-link adhesion receptors with other matrix components.

Integrins bridge the cytoskeleton filaments with a specialized form of the ECM at the basal lamina lining the cell membrane's outer surface.

The resulting adhesion complex interacts with the ECM molecules and transmits mechanical and chemical signals to regulate cell growth, migration, and differentiation.