Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins > Proteins > Scleroproteins > Extracellular Matrix Proteins Terms and Definitions
Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Medical Definition: | Macromolecular organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur. These macromolecules (proteins) form an intricate meshwork in which cells are embedded to construct tissues. Variations in the relative types of macromolecules and their organization determine the type of extracellular matrix, each adapted to the functional requirements of the tissue. The two main classes of macromolecules that form the extracellular matrix are: glycosaminoglycans, usually linked to proteins (proteoglycans), and fibrous proteins (e.g., COLLAGEN; ELASTIN; FIBRONECTINS AND LAMININ). |
Guide Notes: | /drug eff /ultrastruct permitted |
Previously Indexed: | Extracellular Matrix (1984-1990) |
Collagen - A polypeptide substance comprising about one third of the total protein in mammalian organisms. It is the main constituent of SKIN, CONNECTIVE TISSUE, and the organic substance of bones (BONE AND BONES) and teeth (TOOTH). | |
Elastin | |
Tenascin - Hexameric extracellular matrix glycoprotein transiently expressed in many developing organs and often re-expressed in tumors. It is present in the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as in smooth muscle and tendons. (From Kreis & Vale, Guidebook to the Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Proteins, 1993, p93) |
Extracellular Matrix Proteins Medical Definitions and Terms
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