Cell-ECM interactions in development

Interactions of cells with extracellular matrix molecules play a crucial role in development. There is continuous crosstalk between cells and molecules of the extracellular matrix which leads to development of patterns, morphogenesis, differentiation and maintenance of the differentiated phenotype. Many specific receptors for matrix molecules have been identified but we propose here that most processes resulting from matrix-receptor interactions fall into three categories which correspond to different developmental events: (i) cell adhesion/de-adhesion during migration mostly involves interactions via integrin and proteoglycan receptors and their association with cytoskeletal elements; (ii) expression of specific genes during differentiation involves interaction with basement membrane components via integrin recptors and with soluble factors via their receptors; (iii) morphogenesis of epithelial organs, morphogenesis involving cell death, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions involve interactions with ECM that is undergoing remodeling via receptors for enzymes, integrins, proteoglycans and soluble factors