Fibronectin fibrillogenesis: a paradigm for extracellular matrix assembly

Fibronectin matrix assembly is a regulated stepwise process. In the past ye ar, analyses of fibronectin domains, integrin and cytoskeletal contribution s, and fibril architecture have provided new insights into assembly mechani sms and matrix control of cell functions. Like fibronectin, laminin polymer ization is cell-mediated. Thus a common pathway for extracellular matrix as sembly is emerging.