THE EXTRACELLULAR-MATRIX OF THE DICTYOSTELIUM-DISCOIDEUM SLUG

In this review, we detail the current understanding of the extracellul ar matrix (ECM) of the migratory slug phase of the cellular slime moul d, Dictyostelium discoideum. We describe some structural and non-struc tural molecules which comprise the ECM, and how these molecules reflec t both plant and animal ECM systems. We also' describe zones of the mu lticellular slug that are known to make ECM components, including the role of the prestalk cells and the slug epithelium-like layer. Finally , we review the contributions of studies on mutants to our understandi ng of the ECM of D. discoideum, and relate this to differentiation and development in more complex eukaryotic systems.