fibronectin

[fahy-bruh-nek-tin]

noun Cell Biology.

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

Origin of fibronectin

1975–80; fibro- + Latin nect(ere) to bind, join together (see connect, nexus) + -in²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

fibronectin in Medicine

(fī′brə-nĕk′tĭn)

A fibrous linking protein that functions as a reticuloendothelial mediated host defense mechanism and is impaired by surgery, burns, infection, neoplasia, and disorders of the immune system.

fibronectin in Science

[fī′brə-nĕk′tn]

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.