The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role beyond providing structural support. ECM proteins have multiple, independently folded domains that are highly conserved across species. These domains can bind adhesion receptors like integrins, mediate cell-matrix adhesion, and transmit signals into cells. ECM proteins also bind and regulate soluble growth factors, influencing their distribution, activation, and presentation to cells. These properties are essential for processes such as developmental patterning, stem cell niches, cancer, and genetic diseases. ECM proteins are large and complex, with multiple domains that are conserved across different species. This complexity allows them to bind and present growth factors to cells, integrating complex signals in a spatially organized manner. The ECM's role in growth factor signaling is significant, as it can act as a reservoir for soluble growth factors, which can be released to function as traditional ligands. Some growth factors bind to their receptors using heparan sulfate as a cofactor, and ECM proteins can also act as solid-phase ligands. ECM proteins can also interact with other ECM components, such as fibrillins and fibronectins, to regulate the activity of growth factors like TGF-β. The binding of TGF-β to ECM proteins can be regulated through various mechanisms, including proteolysis, mechanical strain, and interactions with other ECM components. These interactions are crucial for the activation and regulation of TGF-β, which plays a key role in various biological processes. The ECM also serves as a platform for organizing and integrating signals from multiple receptors. ECM proteins can bring together different receptors into organized complexes, enhancing signal integration and regulation. This is particularly important for processes such as cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The ECM's ability to regulate these processes is evident in diseases such as Marfan's syndrome, where defects in ECM components lead to dysregulation of TGF-β signaling. In summary, the ECM is a complex and dynamic structure that plays a vital role in cell signaling, growth factor regulation, and tissue development. Its ability to bind, present, and integrate signals from various growth factors and receptors makes it an essential component of the cellular microenvironment. Understanding the role of the ECM in these processes is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving ECM dysfunction.The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role beyond providing structural support. ECM proteins have multiple, independently folded domains that are highly conserved across species. These domains can bind adhesion receptors like integrins, mediate cell-matrix adhesion, and transmit signals into cells. ECM proteins also bind and regulate soluble growth factors, influencing their distribution, activation, and presentation to cells. These properties are essential for processes such as developmental patterning, stem cell niches, cancer, and genetic diseases. ECM proteins are large and complex, with multiple domains that are conserved across different species. This complexity allows them to bind and present growth factors to cells, integrating complex signals in a spatially organized manner. The ECM's role in growth factor signaling is significant, as it can act as a reservoir for soluble growth factors, which can be released to function as traditional ligands. Some growth factors bind to their receptors using heparan sulfate as a cofactor, and ECM proteins can also act as solid-phase ligands. ECM proteins can also interact with other ECM components, such as fibrillins and fibronectins, to regulate the activity of growth factors like TGF-β. The binding of TGF-β to ECM proteins can be regulated through various mechanisms, including proteolysis, mechanical strain, and interactions with other ECM components. These interactions are crucial for the activation and regulation of TGF-β, which plays a key role in various biological processes. The ECM also serves as a platform for organizing and integrating signals from multiple receptors. ECM proteins can bring together different receptors into organized complexes, enhancing signal integration and regulation. This is particularly important for processes such as cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The ECM's ability to regulate these processes is evident in diseases such as Marfan's syndrome, where defects in ECM components lead to dysregulation of TGF-β signaling. In summary, the ECM is a complex and dynamic structure that plays a vital role in cell signaling, growth factor regulation, and tissue development. Its ability to bind, present, and integrate signals from various growth factors and receptors makes it an essential component of the cellular microenvironment. Understanding the role of the ECM in these processes is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving ECM dysfunction.