What Roles Do Cell-Matrix Interactions Play in Physiology?
Cell-matrix interactions are essential for numerous physiological processes:
1. Tissue Morphogenesis: During embryonic development, cell-matrix interactions guide the formation of tissues and organs. 2. Wound Healing: The ECM provides a scaffold for new tissue formation and modulates the activity of cells involved in wound repair. 3. Cell Migration: The ECM influences the direction and speed of cell movement, which is crucial for processes like immune response and tissue repair. 4. Cell Differentiation: The ECM can affect cell fate decisions, influencing stem cell differentiation into various cell types.
