Extracellular Matrix in Development
Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg
Published: 2013
Language: eng
Number of pages: 253
ISBN-13: 9783642359347
Subjects: Extracellular matrix; Developmental biology; Life sciences; Cytology
Description: Cells in the developing embryo depend on signals from the extracellular environment to help guide their differentiation. An important mediator in this process is the extracellular matrix – secreted macromolecules that interact to form large protein networks outside the cell. During development, the extracellular matrix serves to separate adjacent cell groups, participates in establishing morphogenic gradients, and, through its ability to interact directly will cell-surface receptors, provides developmental clocks and positional information. This volume discusses how the extracellular matrix influences fundamental developmental processes and how model systems can be used to elucidate ECM function. The topics addressed range from how ECM influences early development as well as repair processes in the adult that recapitulate developmental pathways. The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology.