ECM signalling: orchestrating cell behaviour and misbehaviour

Abstract: The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides signalling cues that
regulate cell behaviour and orchestrate functions of cells in tissue
formation and homeostasis. The composition of the ECM, its
three-dimensional organization and proteolytic remodelling are
major determinants of the microenvironmental signalling context
that controls cell shape, motility, growth, survival and
differentiation. In recent years, the importance of ECM signalling
has been underscored by the evidence that misregulation of
cell–ECM interactions can contribute to many diseases, including
developmental, immune, haemostasis, degenerative and
malignant disorders. This review discusses recent insights into the
regulatory functions of the ECM and their role in disease, focusing
on cancer as a paradigm.
URL
Publication year 2008
Pages 437-441
Availability location ADHESION SERIES
Availability number 106
Organization Name
External authors (outside ARC)
    Matvey E. Lukashev and Zena Werb zena@itsa.ucsf.edu Dept of Anatomy and Program in Cell Biology
Publication Type Technical Report