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

Fibronectin is recognized as the most common adhesive glycoprotein found in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Its primary function is to mediate cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation, linking cells to the ECM components and facilitating important biological processes. This glycoprotein exists in a dimeric form and is widely distributed in various tissues, contributing to the structural and functional properties of the ECM.

In addition to its role in connecting cells and the ECM, fibronectin exists in soluble forms in plasma and can undergo conformational changes, enabling it to interact with various cell types and matrix components. This versatility makes it crucial for tissue repair and development, where it plays a role in processes like wound healing and embryogenesis.

While collagen, elastin, and laminin are also fundamental components of the ECM, they serve different functions. Collagen provides tensile strength, elastin contributes elasticity, and laminin primarily influences cell adhesion and differentiation within tissue structures. Thus, while all of these proteins are important, fibronectin stands out as the predominant adhesive glycoprotein due to its widespread presence and significant role in cell-matrix interactions.