Name: how ecm supports animal tissues
Uploaded: 2026-06-01T06:27:55.223Z
Duration: 1 min 42 s
Channel: JoVE

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North Carolina K-12 Science Standard Course of Study

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From Molecules to Organisms- Structures and Processes

LS.Bio.1.3

The Extracellular Matrix

The extracellular matrix, or ECM, is a network of fibrous proteins like collagen and elastin and a ground substance that surrounds cells and fills the spaces between them.The ground substance is a hydrated gel made up of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and interstitial fluid, which is mainly water with dissolved ions and gases.Local cells, especially fibroblasts, secrete most ECM components. Macrophages and other cells also help remodel the matrix.The ECM contains glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs, which bind water. When attached to core proteins, GAGs form proteoglycans.In cartilage, hyaluronic acid forms large proteoglycan aggregates. Proteoglycans that contain chondroitin sulfate bind to hyaluronic acid and help the tissue resist compression. Loss of these proteoglycans in cartilage can contribute to osteoarthritis.Collagens provide rigidity and are especially important in tendons, which join muscles to bones.Fibronectin acts like a molecular glue and helps cells attach to collagen and GAGs. Cells bind to fibronectin through integrins, which connect the ECM to the cell interior and support signaling.During migration, cells use these attachments to pull themselves forward across the ECM, which also acts as a support network that guides their movement and behavior.

the extracellular matrix

In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.<h4>Composition of the Extracellular Matrix</h4>The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules. These molecules include polysaccharides called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs occupy most of the extracellular space and often take up a large volume relative to their mass. This results in a matrix that can withstand tremendous forces of compression. Most GAGs are linked to proteins&#x2014;creating proteoglycans. These molecules retain sodium ions based on their positive charge and therefore attract water, which keeps the ECM hydrated.The ECM also contains rigid fibers such as collagens&#x2014;the primary protein component of the ECM. Collagens are the most abundant proteins in animals, making up 25% of protein by mass. A large diversity of collagens with structural similarities provide tensile strength to many tissues.Notably, tissue like skin, blood vessels, and lungs need to be both strong and stretchy to perform their physiological role. A protein called elastin gives particular fibers the ability to stretch and retract. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein important in cell adhesion, as it directly attaches to proteins that span the membrane of cells, specifically integrins, linking the membrane to the ECM. Integrin also interacts with collagen which may elicit intracellular responses.<h4>Extracellular Matrix Composition Is Tissue- and Cell-type Dependent</h4>The makeup and relative proportion of each of these molecules are determined by the location, physiological function, and neighboring cell types of the tissue in which the cells reside. This specific molecular makeup of the ECM is referred to as the local microenvironment. Cells in a particular tissue secrete molecules which determines the surrounding ECM. For example, intestinal cells synthesize, modify, and secrete the molecules necessary for the matrix that surrounds them, while osteoblasts generate the molecules of the rigid ECM of human bone. This diversity in ECM composition in different tissues creates particular properties according to their unique role and function.<h4>Extracellular Matrix Can Be Involved in Cell Communication</h4>The interaction between cells and the local ECM has been shown to have an intracellular impact as well. For example, forces on transmembrane integrin molecules can result in activation of the intracellular actomyosin network. This may promote cell migration, division, and other cellular responses. Some of these responses include changes in gene expression and cell signaling cascades. Likewise, integrin can communicate intracellular information to the outside of the cell. Additionally, ECM is known to bind signaling molecules, which can be released upon ECM degradation.<h4>Remodeling of the Extracellular Matrix</h4>Animal cells need to have the capacity to degrade and remodel the ECM. This is particularly true in cases of tissue repair and growth. Consequently, cells typically possess the enzymes necessary to break down the ECM. These enzymes include matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) which work with other enzymes to degrade proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. ECM degradation and remodeling is important in healthy tissue growth including blood vessel branching. On the downside, ECM remodeling also contributes to the metastasis of cancerous cells as they spread through the body.

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KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

how ecm supports animal tissues

The extracellular matrix (ECM) supports animal tissues by surrounding cells with structural molecules. It helps maintain tissue organization and gives tissues their specific physical properties. The ECM includes a gel-like ground substance, fibrous components, and many molecules with different jobs.

A major part of the ECM is made of glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs. These polysaccharides fill much of the extracellular space and can take up a large volume for their mass. That makes the matrix resistant to compression. Most GAGs are attached to proteins, forming proteoglycans. These molecules hold sodium ions because of their positive charge and attract water. This helps keep the ECM hydrated.

The ECM also contains strong fibers such as collagens. Collagen is the main protein in the ECM and the most abundant protein group in animals, making up about 25% of protein by mass. Many collagen types share a similar structure and give tissues tensile strength, or resistance to being pulled apart. This matters in tissues such as skin, blood vessels, and lungs, which need to be both strong and stretchy. Elastin helps some fibers stretch and then return to their original shape.

Another important ECM molecule is fibronectin. It is a glycoprotein that helps cells stick to the ECM. Fibronectin attaches to integrins, which are proteins that span the cell membrane. This link connects the cell membrane to the ECM. Integrins can also interact with collagen and may trigger responses inside the cell.

The makeup of the ECM depends on the tissue and the cell type. This local molecular setting is called the microenvironment. Cells in each tissue secrete the molecules that build the ECM around them. For example, intestinal cells make and release the molecules around them, while osteoblasts build the rigid ECM found in human bone. These differences give each tissue the properties it needs for its role.

The ECM also helps cells communicate. Forces on integrins can activate the actomyosin network inside the cell. That can affect cell migration, division, gene expression, and signaling pathways. Integrins can also pass information from inside the cell to the outside. In addition, the ECM can bind signaling molecules and release them when it is broken down.

Animal cells must also be able to break down and rebuild the ECM. This remodeling is important during tissue repair and growth. Cells use enzymes, including matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), to degrade ECM proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. ECM remodeling helps normal processes such as blood vessel branching. However, it can also help cancer cells spread through the body during metastasis.

How ECM Supports Animal Tissues

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Explore how the extracellular matrix supports animal tissues, from collagen and proteoglycans to cell signaling and ECM remodeling in growth and repair.

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How ECM Supports Animal Tissues

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