Function at the junction: dynamic interactions between lung cells and extracellular matrix.

Recent advances are elucidating the mechanisms by which cells communicate with the surrounding matrix. Cells have specific receptors for matrix proteins. A number of intracellular molecules with signalling functions aggregate at specialised focal adhesion points and facilitate transfer of information both into and out of cells. The importance of these signaling processes to cell biology makes it likely that manipulation of these processes will allow innovative therapeutic approaches to lung disease.