title: Cell interactions with three-dimensional matrices.
abstract: Signaling and other cellular functions differ in three-dimensional compared with two-dimensional systems. Cell adhesion structures can evolve in vitro towards in-vivo-like adhesions with distinct biological activities. In this review, we examine recent advances in studies of interactions of fibroblasts with collagen gels and fibronectin-containing matrices that mimic in vivo three-dimensional microenvironments. These three-dimensional systems are illuminating mechanisms of cell-matrix interactions in living organisms.
authors.affiliation: Craniofacial Developmental Biology and Regeneration Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4370, USA. ec89m@nih.gov
authors.forename: Edna
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cukierman
authors.forename: Roumen
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pankov
authors.forename: Kenneth M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Yamada
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008954:Models, Biological; D011485:Protein Binding; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins; D003094:Collagen