Editing Extracellular matrix (section)

===Cell adhesion===
Many cells bind to components of the extracellular matrix. Cell adhesion can occur in two ways; by [[focal adhesions]], connecting the ECM to [[actin]] filaments of the cell, and [[hemidesmosomes]], connecting the ECM to intermediate filaments such as [[keratin]]. This cell-to-ECM adhesion is regulated by specific cell-surface [[cellular adhesion molecule]]s (CAM) known as [[integrins]]. Integrins are cell-surface proteins that bind cells to ECM structures, such as fibronectin and laminin, and also to integrin proteins on the surface of other cells.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

Fibronectins bind to ECM macromolecules and facilitate their binding to transmembrane integrins. The attachment of fibronectin to the extracellular domain initiates intracellular signalling pathways as well as association with the cellular cytoskeleton via a set of adaptor molecules such as [[actin]].<ref name=ECB/>