Scientists have found that extracellular matrix components may induce specific gene expression in embryonic tissues such as the liver and testes. for this to happen there must be direct communication between the extracellular matrix and the developing cells. which kind of transmembrane protein would most likely be involved in this kind of induction?

Integrins.

Explanation:

Integrins may be defined as the transmembrane ligand that activates the signal transduction pathway by binding with its receptor. Integrins is present in all animal cells.

Integrins helps in the direct communication of the cell with the extracellular matrix. The specific gene expression occur in liver and testes. Integrins are involved in the induction of the cell and their communication with the extracellular matrix.

Thus, the answer is integrin.

the answer to your question is b