文摘
The ECM is essential for normal cellular homeostasis, physiology, and development. Aberrant ECM function is linked to human disease (e.g., cancer, neurodegeneration). Dictyostelium discoideum secretes an ECM during multicellular development. The Dictyostelium ECM shares many of the features of mammalian and plant ECM. Research in Dictyostelium may provide new insight into the functions of the ECM.