title: Dynamic cell-matrix interactions modulate microbial biofilm and tissue 3D microenvironments.
abstract: Microbial biofilms and most eukaryotic tissues consist of cells embedded in a three-dimensional extracellular matrix. This matrix serves as a scaffold for cell adhesion and a dynamic milieu that provides varying chemical and physical signals to the cells. Besides a vast array of specific molecular components, an extracellular matrix can provide locally heterogeneous microenvironments differing in porosity/diffusion, stiffness, pH, oxygen and metabolites or nutrient levels. Mechanisms of matrix formation, mechanosensing, matrix remodeling, and modulation of cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions and dispersal are being revealed. This perspective article aims to identify such concepts from the fields of biofilm or eukaryotic matrix biology relevant to the other field to help stimulate new questions, approaches, and insights.
authors.affiliation: Biofilm Research Labs, Levy Center for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics and Divisions of Pediatric Dentistry & Community Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: koohy@upenn.edu.
authors.forename: Hyun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koo
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Yamada
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D018441:Biofilms; D002450:Cell Communication; D021982:Cell-Matrix Junctions / Q000378:metabolism*; D060833:Cellular Microenvironment; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans