fibronectinrich

Fibronectin-rich is a descriptive term used to characterize tissues, extracellular matrices, or biomaterials that contain a high concentration of fibronectin relative to the surrounding matrix. Fibronectin is a ubiquitous extracellular matrix glycoprotein that supports cell adhesion, migration, and survival. In fibronectin-rich environments, cells interact with fibronectin primarily through integrin receptors, notably α5β1 and αvβ3, enabling signaling pathways that influence behavior such as spreading, differentiation, and motility. Fibronectin exists in soluble plasma form and as insoluble, fibrillar networks assembled by cells in the ECM; high local fibronectin can reflect active matrix remodeling.

Molecular features include the RGD cell-binding motif in fibronectin, which engages integrins, and alternative splicing that generates EDA (EIIIA) and EDB (EIIIB) variants. These isoforms are upregulated during development, wound healing, and tissue remodeling, contributing to the dynamic properties of fibronectin-rich matrices. Fibronectin forms networks by interacting with other ECM components such as collagen and with fibrin during clot formation, and it can organize into fibrils through cell-driven tension and assembly machinery.

Biological contexts commonly associated with fibronectin-rich matrices include embryogenesis, wound repair, scar formation, fibrosis, and tumor microenvironments where dense fibronectin networks can influence cell invasion and survival. Detection and quantification are typically performed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, or ELISA for soluble fibronectin.

In biomaterials and tissue engineering, fibronectin-rich coatings and scaffolds are used to promote desirable cell adhesion and spreading. As a descriptor, fibronectin-rich conveys a functional state of the ECM or material that supports fibronectin-dependent cell–matrix interactions.