Integrative models for TGF-β\beta signaling and extracellular matrix

International audienceThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is the most important regulator of cell-cell communication within tissues. ECM is a complex structure, made up of a wide variety of molecules including proteins, proteglycans and glycoaminoglycans. It contributes to cell signaling through the action of both its constituents and their proteolytic cleaved fragments called ma-tricryptins [Hynes and Naba, 2012, Ricard-Blum and Vallet, 2019]. In addition , ECM acts as a "reservoir" of growth factors and cytokines and regulates their bioavailability at the cell surface. By controlling cell signaling inputs, ECM plays a key role in regulating cell phenotype (differentiation, proliferation, migration, etc.). In this context, signaling networks associated with the polypeptide transforming growth factor TGF-β are unique since their activation are controlled by ECM and TGF-$β$ is a major regulator of ECM remodeling in return