Interactions of Fibronectin with Matrix Components

Most cell types in the body synthesize fibronectin and secrete it into the extracellular space where it interacts with itself and other macromolecules such as collagens, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, tenascin, fibulin and thrombospondin. These and other interactions collectively form the extracellular matrix (ECM) or connective tissue to which the cells of the body adhere. Most of what we know about the ECM and its interaction with cells comes from studies of cells in culture. Much effort has been devoted to understanding the nature of the interactions between the various components of the ECM and how the composition of the matrix affects cell behavior. In this section we review what is know about the interaction of fibronectin with other molecules of the ECM.