The Interaction of Extracellular Matrix and Growth Factors

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell behavior by influencing cell proliferation, survival, shape, migration and differentiation. ECM assembly is regulated by the 3D environment and the cellular tension that is transmitted through integrins. The hematopoietic microenvironment is a complex structure in which stem cells, progenitor cells, stromal cells, growth factors, and ECM molecules each interact to direct the coordinated regulation of blood cell development. Hematopoietic growth factors are any of several glycoproteins that regulate/promote the survival, self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Hematopoietic growth factors act by binding to specific members of a highly related family of single pass transmembrane proteins. They have a vital role in promoting hematopoietic cell growth, differentiation, and prevent apoptosis of progenitor cells. Each growth factor has a specific cell surface receptor, which activates both unique and shared signal transduction pathways. This interaction promotes signal transmission across the cell membrane and activates intercellular signaling cascades that are integrated at the gene expression level. Cell–cell and cell–ECM interactions through adhesion receptors play a major role in the hematopoietic process. Hematopoietic signaling is activated by growth factors and cellular interactions with the ECM. ECM functions as a part of the cell-controlled machinery to store and activate growth factors during development. Cell-mediated release of ECM-bound growth factors can occur via proteolytic cleavage of LTBP1.

Keywords: extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors, hematopoietic signaling

Cite this Article

Mulata HN, Gidey Gebremeskel. The Interaction of Extracellular Matrix and Growth Factors. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2016; 6(3):    9–23p.