Date of Award
Summer 2009
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Waring, Gail
Second Advisor
Karrer, Kathleen
Third Advisor
Munroe, Stephen
Abstract
Cells in most multicellular organisms are surrounded by a complex network of mixed molecules, the extracellular matrix (ECM). Assembled in complicated environments, extracellular matrix networks provide numerous functions, the most obvious being mechanical support and a substrate for anchoring cells and organs. More importantly, extracellular matrice host secreted molecules regulating cell differentiation, tissue remodeling, and morphology. To perform these structural and regulatory functions, the ECM has to be properly assembled...
COinS