Fibrillin-1 (FBN1)

Fibrillin-1: Structural component of the 10-12 nm diameter microfibrils of the extracellular matrix, which communicates both regulatory and structural attributes to load-bearing connective tissues (PubMed:1860873, PubMed:15062093). Fibrillin-1- containing microfibrils provide long-term pressure bearing structural support.

In tissues like the lung, blood vessels and skin, microfibrils form the periphery of the elastic fiber, acting as a scaffold for the deposition of elastin. Additionally, microfibrils can happen as elastin-independent networks in tissues like the ciliary zonule, tendon, cornea and glomerulus where they provide tensile strength and have anchoring functions.