Fibronectin

Synonym(s)

Fibronectin

Definition
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Extracellular glycoprotein that plays an important role in many physiological processes, including wound healing and the migration and adhesion of cells (fibra for "fiber"; nexus for "linkage"). As a non-specific opsonin, fibronectin also promotes the binding of antigens to phagocytes. More than 20 different isoforms were found.

The fibronectin contains binding regions for fibrin, heparin and collagen as well as a cell binding region.

General information
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Fibronectin is formed in the liver as a soluble variant which is released into the blood plasma. It plays an important role in wound healing and blood clotting. Fibronectin is incorporated into the fibrin clot as a matrix. Fibroblasts, chondrocytes, endothelial cells and macrophages form insoluble fibronectin. This is incorporated into the extracellular matrix. There it has a bridging function between collagen fibrils and other molecules of the extracellular matrix. It also serves as a lead molecule for various cells (e.g. endothelia) while they migrate.