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Focal adhesion
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Cell_biology/kdIBGHub">cell biology</a>, focal adhesions (also cell–matrix adhesions or FAs) are large <a href="/facts/Macromolecular_assemblies/H6fnKcte">macromolecular assemblies</a> through which mechanical force and regulatory signals are transmitted between the <a href="/facts/Extracellular_matrix/kaHC5Ez8">extracellular matrix</a> (ECM) and an interacting <a href="/facts/Cell_(biology)/bLM9UQvy">cell</a>. More precisely, focal adhesions are the sub-cellular structures that mediate the regulatory effects (i.e., <a href="/facts/Cell_signaling/6oYAVP9I">signaling</a> events) of a cell in response to ECM adhesion. </p><p>Focal adhesions serve as the mechanical linkages to the ECM, and as a biochemical signaling hub to concentrate and direct numerous signaling proteins at sites of <a href="/facts/Integrin/DNYUGbBp">integrin</a> binding and clustering. </p>