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	'''~~Extracellular~~ matrix''' (ECM) is a ~~three-dimensional~~ network of ~~extracellular macromolecules such as~~ [[~~collagen~~]], [[~~enzymes~~]], and [[~~glycoproteins~~]] ~~that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells. Because multicellularity evolved independently~~ in ~~different multicellular lineages~~, ~~the composition of ECM varies between multicellular structures; however~~, ~~cell adhesion~~, ~~cell-to-cell communication~~ and ~~differentiation are common functions of the ECM~~.		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Extracellular Matrix}}
			The '''extracellular matrix''' (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and carbohydrates that provides structural and biochemical support to surrounding [[cells]]. It is a critical component of all [[tissues]] and [[organs]] in the body, influencing their development, function, and repair.

	== ~~Composition~~ ==		==Structure==
	~~The ECM is composed of two main classes of biomolecules:~~ [[~~Glycosaminoglycans]] (GAGs) and [[fibrous proteins]]~~. ~~GAGs are polysaccharides that occupy most~~ of the extracellular ~~space and provide the~~ ECM ~~with its gel-like properties. Fibrous proteins, on the other hand~~, ~~provide structural support. These include~~ [[collagen]], [[elastin]], [[~~fibronectin~~]], and [[~~laminin~~]].		[[File:Extracellular_Matrix.svg\|thumb\|right\|Diagram of the extracellular matrix components.]]
			The ECM is composed of a variety of macromolecules, including [[collagen]], [[elastin]], [[glycoproteins]], and [[proteoglycans]]. These components are secreted by cells and assemble into a three-dimensional network that fills the spaces between cells.

	== ~~Functions~~ ==		===Collagen===
	~~The primary role of~~ the ECM ~~is to support the cells within an organism's tissues~~. It ~~does this by serving as a scaffold~~ for ~~growth and also by signaling to cells to direct their differentiation. The ECM also plays a crucial role in tissue repair, guiding~~ the ~~movement~~ of ~~cells to injury sites~~.		Collagen is the most abundant protein in the ECM, providing tensile strength and structural integrity. It forms fibrils and fibers that are essential for the mechanical properties of tissues.

	== ~~Clinical significance~~ ==		===Elastin===
	~~Alterations in the ECM can contribute to~~ a ~~number~~ of ~~pathologies~~, ~~including~~ [[~~cancer~~]] ~~and~~ [[~~fibrosis~~]]~~. In cancer, changes in the ECM can affect cell proliferation, survival~~, and ~~migration, contributing to tumor growth and metastasis~~. ~~In fibrosis, excessive deposition of ECM components leads~~ to ~~scarring and organ dysfunction~~.		Elastin is a key component of tissues that require elasticity, such as the [[skin]], [[lungs]], and [[blood vessels]]. It allows tissues to resume their shape after stretching or contracting.

	== ~~See also~~ ==		===Glycoproteins===
	* [[~~Cell adhesion~~]]		Glycoproteins, such as [[fibronectin]] and [[laminin]], play crucial roles in cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. They serve as binding sites for cells and other ECM components.
	* [[~~Cell-to-cell communication~~]]
	* [[~~Differentiation (biology)~~]]		===Proteoglycans===
			Proteoglycans are composed of a core protein with covalently attached glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. They are involved in regulating the movement of molecules through the ECM and modulating cell signaling.

			==Functions==
			The ECM is not just a passive scaffold; it actively influences cell behavior and tissue function.

			===Structural Support===
			The ECM provides a physical framework that supports the shape and organization of tissues. It helps maintain the structural integrity of tissues under mechanical stress.

			===Cell Signaling===
			The ECM interacts with cell surface receptors, such as [[integrins]], to influence cell signaling pathways. These interactions can affect cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.

			===Tissue Repair===
			During tissue repair, the ECM undergoes remodeling to accommodate new tissue formation. It provides a scaffold for cell migration and proliferation during wound healing.

			===Barrier Function===
			The ECM acts as a barrier to the movement of cells and molecules, helping to compartmentalize tissues and maintain homeostasis.

	== ~~References~~ ==		==Pathology==
	~~<references />~~		Alterations in the ECM can lead to various diseases, including fibrosis, cancer, and [[osteoarthritis]]. In fibrosis, excessive ECM deposition leads to tissue scarring and impaired function. In cancer, changes in the ECM can promote tumor progression and metastasis.

	~~{{stub}}~~		==Related pages==
			* [[Cell adhesion]]
			* [[Tissue engineering]]
			* [[Fibrosis]]
			* [[Cancer]]

	[[Category:Cell biology]]		[[Category:Cell biology]]
	[[Category:~~Histology~~]]		[[Category:Tissues]]
	~~[[Category:Extracellular matrix]]~~
	~~{{dictionary-stub1}}~~

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'''Extracellular matrix''' (ECM) is a three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules such as [[collagen]], [[enzymes]], and [[glycoproteins]] that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells. Because multicellularity evolved independently in different multicellular lineages, the composition of ECM varies between multicellular structures; however, cell adhesion, cell-to-cell communication and differentiation are common functions of the ECM.

== Composition ==
The ECM is composed of two main classes of biomolecules: [[Glycosaminoglycans]] (GAGs) and [[fibrous proteins]]. GAGs are polysaccharides that occupy most of the extracellular space and provide the ECM with its gel-like properties. Fibrous proteins, on the other hand, provide structural support. These include [[collagen]], [[elastin]], [[fibronectin]], and [[laminin]].

== Functions ==
The primary role of the ECM is to support the cells within an organism's tissues. It does this by serving as a scaffold for growth and also by signaling to cells to direct their differentiation. The ECM also plays a crucial role in tissue repair, guiding the movement of cells to injury sites.

== Clinical significance ==
Alterations in the ECM can contribute to a number of pathologies, including [[cancer]] and [[fibrosis]]. In cancer, changes in the ECM can affect cell proliferation, survival, and migration, contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. In fibrosis, excessive deposition of ECM components leads to scarring and organ dysfunction.

== See also ==
* [[Cell adhesion]]
* [[Cell-to-cell communication]]
* [[Differentiation (biology)]]

== References ==
<references />

{{stub}}

[[Category:Cell biology]]
[[Category:Histology]]
[[Category:Extracellular matrix]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}

Extracellular matrix - Revision history

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