Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
mediated signals (Kundu & Putnam, 2006). The mitogen activated protein (MAP)-kinase
cascade is an important downstream intracellular signaling transduction pathway in
integrin-mediated signals. MAP kinase activation leads to extracellular-regulated kinase
(ERK) activation via a pathway of downstream protein effectors ultimately regulating gene
transcription and cell activities (Kundu & Putnam, 2006; Yee et al., 2008) (Illustrated in Fig.
1. based on: Geiger et al., 2009; Kundu & Putnam, 2006; Lu & Zreiqat, 2010; Milani et al.,
2010; Raggatt & Partridge, 2010; Stevens & George, 2005; Wang et al., 2009; Wilson et al.,
2005; Yee et al., 2008)
Fig. 1. RGD-integrin mediated cell attachment to biomaterial surface which leads to intra
cellular signaling and change of cell functions. Figure was produced using Servier Medical
Art.
It has also been proposed the inorganic components of bone could support the attachment
and interactions between cells and bone (Feng, 2009). Moreover, it has recently been
demonstrated that bone-specific extracellular matrix proteins could promote the osteogenic
differentiation of embryonic stem cells (Evans et al., 2010). In addition to the control of cell
activities by matrix proteins and signaling molecules, it is becoming evident that nanoscale
