title: [Fibronectin].
abstract: Fibronectin is a dimeric glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 440,000. It is a soluble constituent of plasma and other body fluids and a fibrillar matrix protein of connective tissue. The two components are structurally similar and convertible. The possibility of multiple molecular interactions gives rise to a variety of biological functions. The regulation of cell growth and the reduced shedding of fibronectin from malignant cells raises the question as to whether fibronectin is valid as a tumour marker. In wound healing and chronic inflammation fibronectin serves as a scaffold for the formation of collagen. As opsonic protein it maintains reticuloendothelial function. Especially in shock, fibronectin may become the limiting factor of unspecific host defence mechanisms. The value of a substitution therapy will be discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D003095:Collagen Diseases / Q000097:blood; D003449:Cryoglobulinemia / Q000097:blood; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000097:blood; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012157:Mononuclear Phagocyte System / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood; D010587:Phagocytosis; D012769:Shock / Q000097:blood; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins
vernacular_title: Fibronectin.