Proposed role of fibronectin-collagen fibrils in tissue self-assembly.

<p>Schematic representation of collagen-fibronectin co-assembly in the development of regional differences in cell proliferation and intercellular cohesion. Fibronectin matrix assembly by cells adherent to native collagen type I substrates stimulates cell network formation and cell contraction. Co-assembled collagen-fibronectin bundles provide anchors for cell networks to develop isometric tension and extended fibronectin fibrils that promote cell proliferation.