Formation of Multi-Component Extracellular Matrix Protein Fibers.

ABSTRACT: The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of polymerized protein monomers that form a unique fibrous network providing stability and structural support to surrounding cells. We harnessed the fibrillogenesis mechanisms of naturally occurring ECM proteins to produce artificial fibers with a heterogeneous protein makeup. Using ECM proteins as fibril building blocks, we created uniquely structured multi-component ECM fibers. Sequential incubation of fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LAM) resulted in self-assembly into locally stacked fibers. In contrast, simultaneous incubation of FN with LAM or collagen (COL) produced molecularly stacked multi-component fibers because both proteins share a similar assembly mechanism or possess binding domains specific to each other. Sequential incubation of COL on

SUBMITTER: Ahn S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5790006 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature