Matricellular Proteins

Abstract

In addition to its major structural elements, extracellular matrix contains a number of factors that are important for orchestrating developmental morphogenesis, maintaining tissue homeostasis in adults, and regenerating tissue following injury. Several proteins that serve these functions share a complex modular structure that enables them to interact with specific components of the matrix while engaging specific cell surface receptors through which they control cell behavior. These have been named matricellular proteins. Matricellular proteins, including the thrombospondins, some thrombospondin-repeat superfamily members, tenascins, SPARC, CCN proteins, and SIBLING proteins, are increasingly recognized to play important roles in inherited disorders, responses to injury and stress, and the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases of aging. Improved understanding of the functions and mechanisms of action of matricellular proteins is beginning to yield novel therapeutic strategies for prevention or treatment of these diseases.