Fibronectin and Other Adhesive Glycoproteins

Cells adhere to the extracellular matrix through interaction with adhesive extracellular matrix glycoproteins, including fibronectin, laminins, vitronectin, thrombospondins, tenascins, entactins (or nidogens), nephronectin, fibrinogen, and others. Most adhesive glycoproteins bind cells through cell surface integrin receptors in conjunction with other cell surface receptors, such as dystroglycans and syndecans, and interact with other extracellular matrix proteins to form an intensive matrix network. Interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix may mediate many cellular responses, such as cell migration, growth, differentiation, and survival. Cells receive and respond to signals from surrounding extracellular matrix, and in turn, modulate surrounding extracellular matrix through control of matrix assembly. This chapter discusses the adhesive glycoproteins and focuses on the interaction between integrins and adhesive glycoproteins.