Studies on extracellular matrix components that promote neurite outgrowth

There are several factors that, when bound to culture substrata, stimulate outgrowth from particular classes of neurons. Of these, fibronectin and laminin are known components of the extracellular matrix in vivo. One group of factors is derived from cultured cells, and, when attached to a substratum, these factors promote profuse and rapid neurite outgrowth. When tested on sympathetic neurons, neurite outgrowth is seen even in the absence of nerve growth factor. The properties of these factors are discussed in this paper. 53 refs., 8 figs., 7 tabs