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fibronectin

American  
[fahy-bruh-nek-tin] / ˌfaɪ brəˈnɛk tɪn /

noun

Cell Biology.
  1. a fibrous protein that binds to collagen, fibrin, and other proteins and also to the cell membranes, functioning as an anchor and connector.


fibronectin Scientific  
/ fī′brə-nĕktn /
  1. Any of several glycoproteins that occur especially in plasma and in soft connective tissue. Fibronectins are important for the adhesion of fibrous extracellular tissue matrices and also play roles in cellular adhesion, embryonic cellular differentiation, phagocytosis, and the aggregation of platelets in blood clotting.


Etymology

Origin of fibronectin

1975–80; fibro- + Latin nect ( ere ) to bind, join together ( see connect, nexus) + -in 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

To better recreate the conditions inside an injured joint, the researchers relied on fibronectin fragments, molecules generated as damaged tissue breaks down, instead of using only conventional laboratory methods to trigger inflammation.

From Science Daily Jul. 12, 2026

"That's why we are excited about the discovery of this variant in fibronectin, which may be a good target for drug development."

From Science Daily Apr. 10, 2024

The study identified the fibronectin variant, and the Columbia team publicized their results in a preprint for other researchers to view.

From Science Daily Apr. 10, 2024

Unlike silk fibroins that can self assemble, the formation of fibronectin fibrils in the ECM is cell mediated.

From Nature Oct. 3, 2012

The company's first product, intended for use in medical research, is a hybrid composed of silkworm protein and fibronectin, a blood protein that promotes cell adhesion.

From Time Magazine Archive

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