Table 3.
Main components of the interstitial matrix.
| Molecules | Secreting cells | Functions | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collagens I and III | Subepithelial myofibroblasts and fibroblasts | Regulate cell adhesion, tissue development, and homeostasis | (37–39) |
| Fibronectin | Fibroblasts, Epithelial cells |
Regulates cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, growth, and survival | (2, 24, 40) |
| Elastin-tropoelastin | Fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells | Modulates intestinal tissue stretching Confers tissue elasticity |
(41) |
| Decorin | Fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells | Mediates intestinal matrix interactions | (42) |
| Hyaluronan | Epithelial, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts | Stabilizes ECM integrity | (43, 44) |