Integrin Mediated Fibronectin Matrix Assembly

Abstract

Fibronectin (Fn) matrix assembly is a dynamic cellular process in which the soluble dimeric Fn molecules are assembled into insoluble, disulfide bond stabilized fibrillar polymeric matrix. Fn matrix assembly requires specific Fn binding integrins. Several Fn binding integrins that are capable of mediating Fn matrix assembly have been identified. They include α₅β₁, α_IIbβ₃ and α_Vβ₃ integrins. Cells regulate the matrix assembly process not only by controlling cell surface expression level of the Fn binding integrins but also by modulating Fn binding and cytoskeleton binding activities of the integrins. A major challenge of the future studies is to determine the molecular mechanisms by which integrins and intracellular signalling molecules regulate extracellular Fn matrix assembly.