Matrigel is a complex biological matrix widely utilized in scientific research. It consists of a protein mixture that solidifies into a gel at body temperature, creating an environment that mimics the natural surroundings of cells within living tissues. Scientists use it as a scaffold or substrate to grow cells in laboratory settings, allowing them to observe intricate cellular behaviors.
Its Biological Origin
Matrigel is derived from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) mouse sarcoma, a type of tumor that naturally produces a large amount of extracellular matrix components. This biological source means that while the main ingredients are consistent, the exact proportions of all components can show slight variations between different batches. Matrigel is essentially a solubilized preparation of this tumor’s basement membrane, an important layer of the extracellular matrix found in many tissues.
The Core Building Blocks
The primary structural components of Matrigel are proteins that form its physical scaffold. Laminin is a major constituent, making up approximately 60% of the total protein content. This glycoprotein provides adhesion sites for various cell types, including stem, epithelial, endothelial, and tumor cells, and also promotes cell differentiation and angiogenesis.
Collagen IV accounts for about 25-30% of Matrigel’s protein composition, providing structural integrity and mechanical support to the matrix. Entactin, also known as Nidogen, is present at roughly 8% and acts as a linker molecule, helping to connect laminin and collagen IV to create a crosslinked hydrogel structure. Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs), such as perlecan, make up a smaller percentage, around 2-3%, and play roles in cell adhesion and signaling by interacting with growth factors and other molecules.
Beyond the Basics: Growth Factors and Other Molecules
Beyond its structural proteins, Matrigel contains various biologically active molecules that influence cell behavior. These include a range of growth factors such as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta), and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). These factors are known to promote cell proliferation and prevent differentiation in many cell types.
Matrigel also contains enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which can remodel the extracellular matrix. Additionally, trace amounts of other proteins such as fibronectin and vitronectin may be present. These non-structural components provide biochemical cues that go beyond simple physical support, actively guiding cell growth, differentiation, and organization within the matrix.
How Composition Enables Its Versatility
Matrigel’s composition allows it to provide both physical support and biochemical signals. For example, cells cultured on Matrigel can exhibit complex behaviors like forming intricate networks, suggestive of microvascular capillary systems.
The ability of Matrigel to gel at physiological temperatures further enhances its utility, allowing researchers to create three-dimensional environments for cells. This versatility makes Matrigel a valuable tool in diverse research applications, including:
3D cell culture
Studies of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
Tumor invasion assays
Inducing stem cell differentiation
It has been widely used in areas such as cancer research, disease modeling, and the development of organoid models.