30 Questions
What is the ensemble of proteins that compose the ECM itself and associated proteins that covalently modify the ECM called?
Matrisome
What fills the spaces between cells and binds cells and tissues together?
ECM
What type of extracellular matrix is exemplified by the thin, sheetlike basal laminae, upon which layers of epithelial cells rest?
Basement membranes
What is the extracellular matrix associated with the plasma membrane composed of?
Proteins and polysaccharides
What are the two components that all tissues consist of?
Cellular component and extracellular component
What are the molecular components of the extracellular matrix secreted and assembled by?
Cells of the tissue
What is the term used to describe the variety of specialized structures that constitute the ECM?
Extracellular Matrix
Which component of the extracellular matrix is responsible for regulating the activity/availability of diffusible signaling molecules?
Proteoglycans
Which protein is a transmembrane protein contributing to the adhesive properties of focal contacts?
Syndecans
Which condition is caused by mutations in the genes of elastin and fibrillin?
Marfan syndrome
What plays a crucial role in regulating cell adhesion, embryonic development, and blood clotting?
Fibronectin
What forms an elastic network to which cells and other ECM components bind in blood clots?
Fibrin
What mediates the dispersal of clots, called fibrinolysis?
Plasmin
Which factor plays a key role in the major response of platelets to vascular injury by mediating thrombus formation?
Von Willebrand Factor
Which component forms a polysaccharide-rich coat on the plasma membrane of endothelial cells and the apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells?
Glycocalyx
What provides structural integrity, mechanical strength, and resilience in the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
Collagen fibers
What is the major extracellular matrix (ECM) constituent that absorbs water and resists compression?
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
Which condition can be contributed to by mutations in collagen genes?
Osteogenesis imperfecta
What stiffens the extracellular matrix (ECM) and promotes tumor progression during tumorigenesis?
Increased collagen cross-linking
Which extracellular matrix (ECM) component cushions cells and binds various extracellular molecules?
Proteoglycans
What causes the hardening of bone's extracellular matrix (ECM)?
Calcium phosphate crystal deposition
What is the primary function of vWF in the process of thrombus formation?
Mediating rapid thrombus formation at high shear rates
How does vWF contribute to platelet adhesion?
By binding to GPIb on platelets and collagen in the vessel wall
How does ECM stiffness and topography influence stem cell fate?
By controlling stem cell migration, proliferation, survival, and differentiation
What is the role of ADAMTS13 in the regulation of vWF function?
Cleaving vWF multimers to restrict their size and prevent excessive thrombus formation
What is the main mediator of stem cell-ECM interactions?
Integrins
Which protein is recognized as a marker for different cancer stem cells?
Integrin a6/ITGA6/ CD49f
What is the consequence of hyperactivated VEGFR-2 signaling found in vWF-deficient cells?
Unstable, fragile, and leaky vessels
What is the consequence of stem cell rounding in the ECM niche?
Favors adipogenesis
What disease is caused by mutations in the gene for the plasma enzyme ADAMTS13?
Chronic relapsing thrombocytopenic purpura
Study Notes
Extracellular Matrix: Key Components and Functions
- Glycocalyx is a polysaccharide-rich coat on the plasma membrane of endothelial cells and the apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells.
- Matrix structural proteins include tough fibrous proteins embedded in a gel-like polysaccharide ground and adhesion proteins.
- Tendons contain a high proportion of fibrous proteins, while cartilage has a high concentration of polysaccharides forming a compression-resistant gel.
- Bone's extracellular matrix (ECM) is hardened by calcium phosphate crystal deposition.
- Basal laminae have sheetlike structures due to a matrix composition different from that of connective tissues.
- Proteoglycans cushion cells and bind various extracellular molecules.
- Collagen fibers provide structural integrity, mechanical strength, and resilience, and collagen is the most abundant protein in the ECM.
- Mutations in collagen genes contribute to various conditions such as osteogenesis imperfecta and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- During wound healing, collagen remodeling occurs, involving matrix metalloproteinases produced by various cells.
- Increased collagen cross-linking during tumorigenesis stiffens the ECM and promotes tumor progression.
- The composition and amount of ECM vary according to the tissue's function, such as bone, cartilage, dermis, and the basement membrane.
- The ECM is not only structural but also provides signals to cells and acts as a reservoir for growth factors. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans are major ECM constituents that absorb water and resist compression.
Test your knowledge of the extracellular matrix with this quiz on its key components and functions. Explore topics such as glycocalyx, matrix structural proteins, collagen fibers, proteoglycans, and the role of ECM in tissue function, wound healing, and tumorigenesis.
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