What is the most common adhesive glycoprotein found in native ECM?

Fibronectin is the most common adhesive glycoprotein found in native extracellular matrix (ECM). This protein plays a crucial role in cell adhesion, growth, migration, and differentiation. It serves as a binding mediator between various components of the ECM, including collagen and glycosaminoglycans, and connects these structural elements to cell surfaces through specific receptors known as integrins.

Fibronectin exists in soluble form in plasma and as an insoluble component in the ECM, where it contributes to tissue repair and wound healing. Its diverse functions and interactions highlight its importance in maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of tissues.

Comparatively, while integrins are significant for cell adhesion to the ECM, they are not glycoproteins themselves but rather receptors that bind to adhesive glycoproteins like fibronectin. Laminin, though a vital component of the basal lamina in tissues, has a more specific role associated with cell differentiation and survival. Actin primarily serves a structural role in the cytoskeleton of cells rather than in the ECM context. Therefore, fibronectin stands out as the predominant adhesive glycoprotein due to its multifunctional roles and widespread presence in the ECM.