Abstract
Interactions between epithelial cells and fibroblasts play a central role in directing both the spatial and temporal pattern of differentiation during the course of embryonic development [1]. Such “epithelial-mesenchymal” interactions continue to modulate and integrate various diverse elements of cell behaviour in the adult [2]. The biochemical identity of the signal molecules mediating epithelial-mesenchymal interactions has been the subject of intense investigation. Grobstein [3] first speculated that insoluble components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) might be involved; this initial insight has been confirmed in subsequent studies and there is now a substantial literature indicating that ubiquitous matrix macromolecules (such as collagens and proteoglycans) influence a variety of fundamental cellular attributes. The mechanism by which the ECM exerts these different effects appears to depend upon the interaction of matrix macromolecules with specific cell surface receptors resulting in alterations in the organisation of the cytoskeleton and consequent changes in cell shape [4].
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Endocrine Therapy of Breast Cancer V |
| Editors | A. Goldhirsch |
| Publisher | Springer Nature |
| Pages | 61-72 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-642-77662-5 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3-642-77664-9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1992 |
