Focal adhesions and cell-matrix interactions.
Focal adhesions are areas of cell surfaces where specializations of cytoskeletal, membrane and extracellular components combine to produce stable cell-matrix interactions. The morphology of these adhesions and the components identified in them are discussed together with possible mechanisms of their formation.
Woods
A
A
Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Couchman
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D013499:Surface Properties