After reading this chapter you should be able to:
- Describe the composition, structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its components, including collagens, elastin, noncollagenous proteins and proteoglycans.
- Outline the role of the ECM in regulating basic cellular processes, including attachment, proliferation, differentiation, migration and cell-cell interactions.
- Outline the sequence of steps in the biosynthesis and post-translational modification of collagens and elastin, including the structure and synthesis of crosslinks.
- Describe the pathways of biosynthesis and turnover of proteoglycans.
- Describe the pathology of genetic diseases resulting from errors in the synthesis or turnover of ECM components.
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