SUMMARY Extracellular Matrix and Tissue Repair o The ECM consists of the interstitial matrix between cells,made up of collagens and several glycoproteins,and basement membranes underlying epithelia and surrounding vessels,made up of nonfibrillar collagen and laminin. o The ECM serves several important functions: It provides mechanical support to tissues;this is the role of collagens and elastin. It acts as a substrate for cell growth and the formation of tissue microenvironments. It regulates cell proliferation and differentiation;proteoglycans bind growth factors and display them at high concentration,and fibronectin and laminin stimulate cells through cellular integrin receptors. An intact ECM is required for tissue regeneration,and if the ECM is damaged,repair can be accomplished only by scar formation. SUMMARY Extracellular Matrix and Tissue Repair  The ECM consists of the interstitial matrix between cells, made up of collagens and several glycoproteins, and basement membranes underlying epithelia and surrounding vessels, made up of nonfibrillar collagen and laminin.  The ECM serves several important functions:  It provides mechanical support to tissues; this is the role of collagens and elastin.  It acts as a substrate for cell growth and the formation of tissue microenvironments.  It regulates cell proliferation and differentiation; proteoglycans bind growth factors and display them at high concentration, and fibronectin and laminin stimulate cells through cellular integrin receptors.  An intact ECM is required for tissue regeneration, and if the ECM is damaged, repair can be accomplished only by scar formation