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.

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fibronectin Scientific  

/ fī′brə-nĕk′tn /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of fibronectin

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

Example Sentences

The team found that several aptamers attached to a variant of a protein called fibronectin on the surface of mouse cells.

From Science Daily • Dec. 14, 2025

"There's a significant difference in fibronectin levels in the blood-brain barrier between cognitively healthy individuals and those with Alzheimer's disease, independent of their APOEe4 status," Kizil says.

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