Example of Cell-Matrix Interaction Process
Focal Adhesion
Focal Adhesion is a structural example of the Cell-Matrix interaction process. This is an example of the interaction between the cell & the extracellular matrix. The Focal Adhesion acts as the macromolecular pathway to exchange the proteins between the cell & the extracellular matrix (ECM). Focal Adhesion not only helps in the exchange of proteins but also helps in the cell signaling process. The Focal Adhesion is used as the mechanical gate between the cell & the ECM. Focal Adhesion is considered a large complex. This is also considered dynamic.
These are the protein complexes by which the cell cytoskeleton interacts with the extracellular matrix outside of the cell. Focal Adhesion has a specific limit to interact with the ECM. After the cell layer, the Focal Adhesion allows it to interact within the 15nm. Focal Adhesion is a complex structure with different hundreds of proteins. This is the reason; that Focal Adhesion can be involved in several other interacting functions with the matrix around the cell.
Hemidesmosomes
Hemidesmosomes are another type of structural example of the Cell-Matrix Interaction process. This is the structural example that is found in both of the types of the Cell-Matrix Interaction process. This means the Hemidesmosomes are needed while interacting with the Extracellular Matrix & the Basal Lamina. The Hemidesmosomes are present in the cartilage along with in epithelial cells. The Hemidesmosomes have similarities with the Desmosomes & with the Focal Adhesion. As Focal Adhesion is needed for the interaction with the Extracellular Matrix.
Hemidesmosomes are very small than Focal Adhesion. This structure is present in the epidermis of the skin that helps to attach to the Extracellular matrix. The Hemidesmosomes use Integrins. The Integrins are the receptors that not only help in cell to cell interaction process. But this also helps in the cell-to-matrix interaction process. Hemidesmosomes are also used in the cell signaling procedure. This is also used for the exchange of the protein between the cell & matrix.
Cell-to-Matrix Interaction
The human body might seem like a strange structure. There are a lot of organs & components present in the human body. But those are not the complete background of the human body. There are several tiny elements are present in the body that helps to provide a body structure. There are millions of millions such elements present in each body. All these elements together build the overall structure of the body. Those are known as the Cells. Cells are the microscopic elements are present in the body. Millions of cells altogether define any organ. Cells communicate with each other by signaling process. But there is also another process by which cells can communicate with their surrounding environment. This communication is often termed interaction.