In a plugged-in, hyperglobalized world, one might expect that our communications networks would allow us to roam widely, cellphones and tablets connected to the matrix, no matter the location.
But then you need some kind of structural elements within cells that can connect to the extracellular matrix and to one another in such a way that forces can be continuously transmitted from the cells to the matrix and from one cell to another.
These glycosyltransferase genes are responsible for the essential post-translational modifications of α-dystroglycan that are required for LG module binding, and without this glycosylation, dystroglycan is functionally unable to connect to the extracellular matrix.
Niche cells contact GSCs via E-cadherin and Integrin-mediated cell adhesion complexes that bind to the extracellular matrix and connect to the cytoskeleton and this physical docking of stem cells to the niche is essential for GSC maintenance (Xie and Spradling, 2000; Tanentzapf et al, 2007).
Open image in new window Fig. 10 SEM images of epoxy incorporating 1.0 % MWCNTs with different magnifications showing how CNTs are connected to the polymer matrix.
During the preparation process, silane-functionalized alumina nanoparticles, are covalently connected to the epoxy matrix by the reaction of the amine groups with the epoxy groups, creating stronger interfacial interactions between the nanoalumina (the filler) and the EP matrix.
The myofibroblast expresses a highly contractile form of actin, α-smooth muscle actin (α−SMA) which is connected to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through specialized cell surface structured called focal adhesions (FAs) [3], [4].
They extend from the nucleus to the internal leaflet of the plasma membrane and because they are connected to the extracellular matrix via the integrins, they are components of an intrinsic system that regulate the mechanical properties of cells during cellular processes such as cell movement.
Focal adhesions are large, dynamic protein complexes through which the cytoskeleton of a cell connects to the extracellular matrix.
Signalling through these receptors influences changes to the cell's cytoskeleton network, which is connected to the nuclear matrix and chromatin.
