Which molecule mediates cell adhesion and is involved in wound healing?

• A. Fibronectin
• B. Collagen
• C. Laminin
• D. Elastin

Answer: (A)

Fibronectin is the molecule that mediates cell adhesion and plays a key role in wound healing. It is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein that can bind to cell surface receptors called integrins, as well as to structural proteins like collagen and to components such as fibrin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. This bridging function allows cells—especially fibroblasts and endothelial cells—to adhere, spread, migrate, and proliferate on a provisional matrix that forms early in wound repair. Fibronectin also contains the RGD sequence that specifically engages integrins, promoting signaling that guides cell movement and tissue remodeling. While collagen provides structural strength, laminin is prominent in basement membranes, and elastin adds elasticity, fibronectin’s central role in cell adhesion and its presence in the early wound matrix make it the best fit for this question.