Arteriosclerosis and Extracellular Matrix

Editorial: Brain Extracellular Space: Geometry, Matrix and Physiological Importance

Extracellular Matrix

The tissues of a multicellular organism contain two main components, the cells themselves, onwhichmost biological research has traditionally focused, and the material that lies between the cells. This material is called the extracellular matrix, usually abbreviated to ‘ECM’. The ratio of tissue volume occupied by ECM to that occupied by cells varies from less than 1:10 (e.g. in muscles) to more...

Extracellular matrix and liver disease.

SIGNIFICANCE The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic microenvironment that undergoes continuous remodeling, particularly during injury and wound healing. Chronic liver injury of many different etiologies such as viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, drug-induced liver injury, obesity and insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune disease is characterized by excessive deposition of EC...

Extracellular matrix: Composition and Remodelling

Introduction The extracellular matrix is a network of proteins and carbohydrates that supports and surrounds the cells in connective tissues. In addition to their structural-mechanical functions ECM molecules regulate diverse cellular functions, and play a significant role in several physiological and pathological processes, such as embryonic development, inflammation and wound healing, hemosta...

Understanding the extracellular matrix

Tissue engineering deals with the growth and regeneration techniques of connective tissues or organs from a combination of cells and a scaffold to produce a functional organ. The engineering techniques therefore begin with an implantation of artificial materials, providing a proper environment for cells or tissues to be grown and functionalized. The scaffolds are often formulated with biodegrad...