Massive cell migration, proliferation, phenotypic differentiation, and enhanced biosynthetic activities characterize the sites of wound healing and fibrosis. Regulation of cellular functions by extracellular matrix, which consists of a dynamic assemblage of a variety of interacting molecules capable of reorganization in response to endogenous and exogenous stimuli, represents a fundamental epigenetic mechanism regulating cellular behavior and phenotype. Interactions of the individual components of extracellular matrix with specific cell surface molecules, integrin receptors, and proteoglycans initiate a cascade of signal transduction leading to varied short-term or persistent cellular responses. Extracellular matrix also serves as an important reservoir of cytokines and growth factors, thus modulating the action of a host of potent biological response modifiers by their selective, local accumulation and release. Currently known mechanisms by which extracellular matrix modulates different facets of the pro...