The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common cause of respiratory failure in
critically ill patients and is defined by the acute onset of noncardiogenic pulmonary oedema …

Cells reside in a protein network, the extracellular matrix (ECM), which they secrete and
mold into the intercellular space. The ECM exerts profound control over cells. The effects of …

▪ Abstract Focal adhesions are sites of tight adhesion to the underlying extracellular matrix
developed by cells in culture. They provide a structural link between the actin cytoskeleton …

Glomerular podocytes are highly specialized cells with a complex cytoarchitecture. Their
most prominent features are interdigitated foot processes with filtration slits in between …

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors ensuring the mechanical connection
between cells and the extracellular matrix. In addition to the anchorage of cells to the …

Integrins are heterodimeric cell adhesion molecules that link the extracellular matrix to the
cytoskeleton. The integrin family in man comprises 24 members, which are the result of …

The loss of integrin-mediated cell—matrix contact induces apoptosis ('anoikis') in certain cell
types. Recently it has been shown that protein kinase signaling pathways control anoikis …

There is currently an unmet need for the supply of autologous, patient-specific stem cells for
regenerative therapies in the clinic. Mesenchymal stem cell differentiation can be driven by …

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is an ankyrin-repeat containing serine–threonine protein kinase
capable of interacting with the cytoplasmic domains of integrin β1, β2, and β3 subunits …

The long bones of the develo** skeleton, such as those of the limb, arise from the process
of endochondral ossification, where cartilage serves as the initial anlage element and is …