Workgroup 7 “Cell Adhesion and Extracellular Matrix”

Carsten Grashoff
grashoff@uni-muenster.de

Sara Wickström
sara.wickstrom@helsinki.fi

Summary

The ability of cells to organize and shape a complex extracellular matrix is key to the development and function of metazoans. Tissue formation and maintenance, for instance, require cells to firmly adhere to the surrounding matrix, provide mechanical resilience, and enable an interpretation of chemical and mechanical cues during tissue homeostasis. Furthermore, many pathological conditions are the result of changed extracellular matrix properties and the inability to efficiently processes mechano-chemical signals during cell adhesion. While a range of concepts and important molecular players have been identified, many of the underlying mechanisms that govern the communication between cells and their extracellular environment still remain to be clarified.

Therefore, this workgroup invites all scientists with an interest in cell-cell adhesion, cell-matrix adhesion and matrix biology to exchange concepts and ideas, share tools and protocols to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between cells and the extracellular matrix.