Fibronectin [SEP] found in taxon
matrix.
Fibronectin is necessary for embryogenesis, and inactivating the gene for fibronectin results in early embryonic lethality. Fibronectin is important for guiding cell attachment and migration during embryonic development. In mammalian development, the absence of fibronectin leads to defects in mesodermal, neural tube, and vascular development. Similarly, the absence of a normal fibronectin matrix in developing amphibians causes defects in mesodermal patterning and inhibits gastrulation.
Fibronectin is also found in normal human saliva, which helps prevent colonization of the oral cavity and pharynx by potentially pathogenic bacteria
Fibronectin type III domain
The Fibronectin type III domain is an evolutionary conserved protein domain that is widely found in animal proteins. The fibronectin protein in which this domain was first identified contains 16 copies of this domain. The domain is about 100 amino acids long and possesses a beta sandwich structure. Of the three fibronectin-type domains, type III is the only one without disulfide bonding present. Fibronectin domains are found in a wide variety of extracellular proteins. They are widely distributed in animal species, but also found sporadically in