ECM and Cell Adhesion
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins regulate cell adhesion, differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion, and survival. The expansive, delicate, malleable nature of neural architecture requires an intricate relationship with the ECM. Cultured neurons interact with laminin and fibronectin; current studies ask whether these interactions are relevant for in vivo neurite outgrowth through the ECM, synapse growth and withdrawal, dendritic arborization, and spine changes.
