The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex network of macromolecules that surrounds groups of cells in multicellular organisms. It provides structural support, regulates cell behaviour, and plays crucial roles in tissue development, homeostasis, and repair. The ECM is primarily composed of three main components: fibrous proteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The fibrous proteins, which include collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, provide structural integrity and elasticity to tissues. Conversely, proteoglycans, which consist of core proteins with attached GAG chains, confer hydration and compressibility to the ECM. The ECM exhibits a highly organized structure that varies between tissues. Collagen, the most abundant fibrous protein, forms long fibrils that provide tensile strength. As implied by the name, elastin imparts elasticity to the ECM, enabling tissues to stretch and recoil. Fibronectin generally acts as a bridge, connecting cells to the ECM and facilitating cell migration and adhesion. The ECM acts as a dynamic scaffold for cells within tissues, influencing their behaviour and function. Cell-ECM interactions occur through a range of different integrins, transmembrane receptors that link the cytoskeleton to the ECM. This connection through the cell membrane enables cells to sense and respond to mechanical cues, regulate gene expression, and modulate cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. During embryogenesis, the ECM also acts to guide tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis. In this context the ECM provides spatial cues that direct cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, processes crucial for tissue patterning. It also plays a role in stem cell niches, influencing stem cell fate decisions. In adults, the ECM undergoes constant remodelling, regulated by the actions of various enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Remodelling is essential for adult tissue repair, wound healing, and scar formation. The ECM also performs important signalling roles, acting as a reservoir for growth factors, sequestering or releasing them to regulate cellular processes. Growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), interact with the ECM, influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue repair. By binding to ECM, growth factors can regulate spatial and temporal bioavailability. Finally, Altered ECM composition and organization are implicated in numerous diseases. Fibrosis, characterized by excessive ECM deposition, disrupts tissue architecture, and impairs organ function. In cancer, aberrant ECM remodelling promotes tumour progression, invasion, and metastasis. We provide a wide product range of research reagents for studying the extracellular matrix, including MUC1 antibodies, FAK antibodies, Fibronectin antibodies, Osteopontin ELISA Kits, and MMP9 ELISA Kits. Explore our full extracellular matrix product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our ECM Proteins, Structures, and ECM Enzymes product ranges.