title: Biology of the extracellular matrix: an overview.
abstract: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an intricate network composed of an array of multidomain macromolecules organized in a cell/tissue-specific manner. Components of the ECM link together to form a structurally stable composite, contributing to the mechanical properties of tissues. The ECM is also a reservoir of growth factors and bioactive molecules. It is a highly dynamic entity that is of vital importance, determining and controlling the most fundamental behaviors and characteristics of cells such as proliferation, adhesion, migration, polarity, differentiation, and apoptosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yue
mesh_terms: D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins