Structural insights
linked by S-S bond. Each monomer contains 3 types of repeating units: FnI, FnII and FnIII. Type I and type II repeats are disulfide-bonded loops, containing about 45 and 60 amino-acids each, while type III repeats are about 90 amino-acids long without S-S bonds[1][2][3]. Each module contains several numbered protein binding domains, i.e., FnI6-FnII1-2-FnI7-9 is the gelatin binding domain (GBD).
Function
Fibronectin (Fn) is a glycoprotein which binds extracellular matrix components like integrin, collagen, fibrin and others. It plays an important role in cell adhesion, migration and differentiation[1][2]. In addition, Fn is also important for the adherence of pathogens to host tissues and the linking between proteins and cells[4].
Relevance
Fn is associated with inflammation area and the process of wound healing. Fn is a potential marker for radiation resistance.
Disease
Overexpression of Fn1 is associated with lung cancer[5].
3D Structures of Fibronectin
Fibronectin 3D structures
