Fibronectin interaction with growth factors in the context of general ways extracellular matrix molecules regulate growth factor signaling

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex cascade of molecular events centered on the extracellular matrix (ECM). Early research viewed ECM in wounds as a simple scaffold for repair. Subsequently, this perception was extended to providing cells with discrete surface adhesion sites and then to providing a reservoir for growth factors (GF). However, over the past decade, research has revealed that ECM interactions with GF are far more complex and exquisite than previously thought. Chief among ECM components during the early phases of wound healing is a ~250kDa glycoprotein, fibronectin (FN). This review outlines ways in which FN interacts with GF as a model for studying ECM-GF interactions. Additionally, we present evidence to suggest that FN contains bioactive peptides that enhance or bias GF activity and thereby can be used as pharmacologic interventions for wound healing.