ABSTRACT
Integrili receptors are used by cells not only to bind, but also to actively organize extracellular matrices. They contribute in the in vivo polymerization of the major matrix constituents - fibronectin, laminin and collagen. Integrin participation in this process varies from indispensable, active stretching of the molecule and induction of fibronectin poly merization to more “passive” directing and facilitating of the formation of laminin polymers. The degree of integrin involvement, cellular input, and the sequence of each step in the assembly of different matrices depends primarily on the ability of matrix molecules to self-polymerize.
