Encyclopedia of Molecular Pharmacology

2008 Edition
| Editors: Stefan Offermanns, Walter Rosenthal

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38918-7_5691

In biology, extracellular matrix (ECM) is the extracellular part of animal tissue that usually provides structural support to the cells in addition to performing various other important functions. ECM is the defining feature of connective tissue in animals. ECM includes the interstitial matrix and the basement membrane.

 Matrix Metalloproteinases

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© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York 2008