# STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 1987 · $108,780

## Abstract

The objectives of the proposed investigation are to determine the
structural organization of the extracellular matrix and to establish the
nature and mode of interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix
and its specific components.  These studies will focus on the structure and
functions of heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which are found associated with
the surface of adherent cells and in basement membranes and related matrix
structures.  The structural relationship between a membrane intercalated
and a secreted proteoglycan will be determined.  The structure of these
proteoglycans which are synthesized in rat liver will be compared to that
of a high molecular weight proteoglycan produced by basement membrane
forming cells.  Conventional biochemical methods and immunological
techniques will be employed in these studies.  The mechanisms responsible
for the deposition of heparan sulfate proteoglycan in extra cellular matrix
will be analyzed.  Model systems consisting of fibroblasts and PYS cells in
culture will be investigated.  The hypothesis that heparan sulfate
proteoglycans through interactions with other matrix components (i.e.
fibronectin) may govern the assembly of an extra cellular matrix will
receive special attention.  The interaction between fibronectin and heparan
sulfate proteoglycans will be studied in detail in test tube experiments
and components that interfere with this interaction (i.e. fibronectin
fragments and monoclonal antibodies) will be identified.  These components
will subsequently be used as tools to interfere with the assembly of
extracellular matrix in cell culture systems.  It is anticipated that
results obtained in this investigation will yield important information
concerning the functions of heparan sulfate in the normal physiology of
cells and in the course of cancer, rheumatic and cardiovascular diseases
including diabetic vascular complications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155565
- **Project number:** 5R01AR027807-08
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YND4PLMC9AN7
- **Principal Investigator:** Axel MAGNUS HOOK
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $108,780
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1980-05-01 → 1988-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155565

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155565, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (5R01AR027807-08). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155565. Licensed CC0.

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