Structural Proteins

Structural proteins are a core molecular system that endows cells and tissues with morphological support, mechanical stability, and dynamic remodeling capability, widely distributed in the extracellular matrix, cell junctions, cytoskeletal networks, and protein folding quality-control networks. They not only construct the physical framework that maintains cell integrity but also participate in key physiological processes such as cell migration, signal transduction, and tissue repair through dynamic polymerization and depolymerization, forming an important molecular basis for development, immune responses, and wound healing. This section covers four major classes: extracellular matrix, cell adhesion junction proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, and molecular chaperones.