Fibronectin ELISA

Fibronectin: An Overview

Introduction: Fibronectin is a versatile extracellular glycoprotein integral to various physiological processes and pathological conditions. It exists in both soluble form in body fluids and insoluble form in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Secreted as a dimer, fibronectin plays a crucial role in cell adhesion, migration, and tissue repair.

Key Characteristics:

• Molecular Weight: Each monomer of fibronectin weighs approximately 220-250 kDa, and it is secreted as a dimer.
• Structure: Fibronectin consists of three main types of modules organized into functional domains. These domains are resistant to proteolysis and contain binding sites for various extracellular matrix proteins, cell surface receptors, and circulating blood proteins.

Physiological Roles:

1. Embryogenesis:
• Cell Migration and Adhesion: Fibronectin is crucial for cellular migration and adhesion during embryonic development, influencing tissue formation and organ development.
2. Wound Healing:
• Tissue Repair: Fibronectin promotes wound healing by facilitating cell migration and proliferation, and by organizing the ECM at the site of injury.
3. Hemostasis and Thrombosis:
• Blood Clotting: Involved in the coagulation process, fibronectin binds to fibrin and other components of the clotting cascade, aiding in the formation of blood clots.
4. Cardiovascular Health:
• Atherosclerosis: Fibronectin is implicated in atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression.
• Hypertension and Myocardial Infarction: Elevated fibronectin levels are associated with hypertension and myocardial infarction, reflecting its role in cardiovascular diseases.
5. Cancer Progression:
• Tumor Growth and Metastasis: Fibronectin contributes to tumor progression by promoting cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. It is often upregulated in cancer tissues.
6. Immune Response:
• T Cell Activation: Fibronectin is involved in T cell activation and immune responses, including those triggered by organ transplantation.
7. Preterm Labor Prediction:
• Fetal Fibronectin: Elevated levels of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions are used as a marker to predict preterm labor, aiding in the management of at-risk pregnancies.

Sources and Distribution:

• Synthesis: Fibronectin is synthesized by various cell types, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, chondrocytes, glial cells, and myocytes.
• Localization: It is abundant in connective tissue matrices, basement membranes, and plasma. Its presence is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and function of tissues.

Clinical Relevance:

• Disease Biomarker: Elevated or altered levels of fibronectin can be indicative of various pathological conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory disorders.
• Therapeutic Target: Due to its involvement in numerous physiological and pathological processes, fibronectin is a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating its activity to treat diseases related to wound healing, cancer, and cardiovascular health.

Conclusion: Fibronectin is a key extracellular glycoprotein with a wide range of functions in cell adhesion, migration, and tissue repair. Its roles in various physiological processes and diseases underscore its importance as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target in research and clinical settings.

This ELISA Kit from Tecan IBL International is for research use only.

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