The matrisome refers to the complete set of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and associated molecules that contribute to the structure and function of the ECM. In mammals, the core matrisome comprises approximately 300 proteins, including collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. These proteins, along with ECM-modifying enzymes and growth factors, work together to assemble and remodel the ECM, which interacts with cell receptors to regulate cellular processes such as survival, proliferation, and motility. The ECM plays a crucial role in the evolution of multicellularity and tissue organization, as well as in the development of complex structures in vertebrates. The matrisome includes a variety of ECM proteins, such as collagens, which provide structural strength, proteoglycans, which contribute to space-filling and lubrication, and glycoproteins, which mediate interactions and signaling. Collagens are characterized by repeated domains and are encoded by genes that have undergone exon shuffling during evolution. Proteoglycans, such as perlecan, are important for binding growth factors and regulating ECM interactions. Glycoproteins like laminins and fibronectins are essential for cell adhesion and signaling. The ECM also serves as a reservoir for growth factors, which can be released by proteolytic enzymes. ECM proteins are modified by cross-linking enzymes, proteases, and other enzymes, which influence their structure and function. The ECM is recognized by cell receptors, such as integrins and dystroglycan, which mediate interactions between the ECM and cells. These receptors are involved in signaling pathways that regulate cell behavior. The matrisome has evolved significantly during the development of metazoans, with the emergence of new ECM proteins and domains. The evolution of the matrisome is closely linked to the development of complex structures such as neural crest, endothelial-lined vasculature, and connective tissues. The matrisome is a highly dynamic and rapidly evolving component of the proteome, playing a vital role in development, pathology, and disease. Understanding the matrisome and its components is essential for elucidating the functions of the ECM and its interactions with cells.The matrisome refers to the complete set of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and associated molecules that contribute to the structure and function of the ECM. In mammals, the core matrisome comprises approximately 300 proteins, including collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. These proteins, along with ECM-modifying enzymes and growth factors, work together to assemble and remodel the ECM, which interacts with cell receptors to regulate cellular processes such as survival, proliferation, and motility. The ECM plays a crucial role in the evolution of multicellularity and tissue organization, as well as in the development of complex structures in vertebrates. The matrisome includes a variety of ECM proteins, such as collagens, which provide structural strength, proteoglycans, which contribute to space-filling and lubrication, and glycoproteins, which mediate interactions and signaling. Collagens are characterized by repeated domains and are encoded by genes that have undergone exon shuffling during evolution. Proteoglycans, such as perlecan, are important for binding growth factors and regulating ECM interactions. Glycoproteins like laminins and fibronectins are essential for cell adhesion and signaling. The ECM also serves as a reservoir for growth factors, which can be released by proteolytic enzymes. ECM proteins are modified by cross-linking enzymes, proteases, and other enzymes, which influence their structure and function. The ECM is recognized by cell receptors, such as integrins and dystroglycan, which mediate interactions between the ECM and cells. These receptors are involved in signaling pathways that regulate cell behavior. The matrisome has evolved significantly during the development of metazoans, with the emergence of new ECM proteins and domains. The evolution of the matrisome is closely linked to the development of complex structures such as neural crest, endothelial-lined vasculature, and connective tissues. The matrisome is a highly dynamic and rapidly evolving component of the proteome, playing a vital role in development, pathology, and disease. Understanding the matrisome and its components is essential for elucidating the functions of the ECM and its interactions with cells.