<P> Laminins are proteins found in the basal laminae of virtually all animals . Rather than forming collagen - like fibers, laminins form networks of web - like structures that resist tensile forces in the basal lamina . They also assist in cell adhesion . Laminins bind other ECM components such as collagens and nidogens . </P> <P> The ECM can exist in varying degrees of stiffness and elasticity, from soft brain tissues to hard bone tissues . The elasticity of the ECM can differ by several orders of magnitude . This property is primarily dependent on collagen and elastin concentration, and it has recently been shown to play an influential role in regulating numerous cell functions . </P> <P> Cells can sense the mechanical properties of their environment by applying forces and measuring the resulting backlash . This plays an important role because it helps regulate many important cellular processes including cellular contraction, cell migration, cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death (apoptosis). Inhibition of nonmuscle myosin II blocks most of these effects, indicating that they are indeed tied to sensing the mechanical properties of the ECM, which has become a new focus in research during the past decade . </P> <P> Differing mechanical properties in ECM exert effects on both cell behaviour and gene expression . Although the mechanism by which this is done has not been thoroughly explained, adhesion complexes and the actin - myosin cytoskeleton, whose contractile forces are transmitted through transcellular structures are thought to play key roles in the yet to be discovered molecular pathways . </P>

What is the extracellular matrix and what does it do