The cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential components of cells that play critical roles in signal transduction as well as providing mechanical support for cells. Both contribute to the transmission of signals across the cell membrane and influence cellular functions and behaviour. The cytoskeleton consists of a complex network of protein filaments within the cytoplasm of cells. It provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and enables cellular movement. In signal transduction, the cytoskeleton plays a vital role in transmitting signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. It can act as a scaffold for signalling molecules, organizing and positioning them appropriately to facilitate efficient signal transduction. An example of the cytoskeleton's involvement in signal transduction is its role in the activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). When ligands bind to RTKs, they often induce receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation, activating the kinase activity of the receptor. The activated RTKs then recruit adaptor proteins, which in turn bind to cytoskeletal components like actin filaments. This association with the cytoskeleton provides spatial stability to the signalling complex facilitating the transmission of signals from the receptor to downstream signalling molecules. Furthermore, the cytoskeleton is involved in the regulation of intracellular signalling pathways. For example, actin filaments can act as molecular tracks for the movement of signalling molecules within the cell. Actin-binding proteins like such as myosin are involved in the transport of vesicles containing signalling molecules, ensuring their proper localization and activation of downstream signalling events. In addition, microtubule filaments also promote signalling by providing tracks for molecular motor proteins, such as dynein and kinesin, enabling the transport of signalling molecules and organelles. Microtubules thereby participate in the regulation of signal transduction pathways, including the Wnt and Notch pathways, playing a critical role in the polarized distribution of signalling components, ensuring correct activation of these pathways during development. The ECM is a complex network of macromolecules, including proteins, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins, that surrounds cells. It mainly provides structural support to tissues and organs and plays a crucial role in cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. In signal transduction, the ECM acts as a reservoir of extracellular signalling molecules and provides a platform for cell surface receptors. A prominent example of the ECM's role in signal transduction is its involvement in integrin-mediated signalling. Integrins are cell surface receptors that bind to specific ECM components, such as fibronectin and collagen. The binding of integrins to the ECM activates intracellular signalling pathways, including the recruitment of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the formation of focal adhesion plaques. These signalling events regulate various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and migration. The ECM can also directly influence signal transduction by modulating the presentation and availability of growth factors and other signalling molecules. For instance, ECM components like heparan sulphate proteoglycans can bind growth factors and sequester them in the ECM, creating local gradients of signalling molecules. This spatial regulation of signalling molecules by the ECM greatly influences cell behaviour and tissue development. We provide a wide product catalogue of research reagents for investigating the cytoskeleton and ECM, including CD31 antibodies, Vimentin antibodies, CD11b antibodies, Osteopontin ELISA Kits, and MMP9 ELISA Kits. Explore our full cytoskeleton and ECM product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Cytoskeleton, Extracellular Matrix, and Cell Adhesion product ranges.