Journal
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
Volume 15, Issue 12, Pages 786-801Publisher
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
DOI: 10.1038/nrm3904
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Funding
- National Cancer Institute [CA057621, CA138818]
- Department of Defense (DOD) Era of Hope Scholar Expansion grant [BC122990]
- Institut National de la Santa et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM)
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The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic structure that is present in all tissues and continuously undergoes controlled remodelling. This process involves quantitative and qualitative changes in the ECM, mediated by specific enzymes that are responsible for ECM degradation, such as metalloproteinases. The ECM interacts with cells to regulate diverse functions, including proliferation, migration and differentiation. ECM remodelling is crucial for regulating the morphogenesis of the intestine and lungs, as well as of the mammary and submandibular glands. Dysregulation of ECM composition, structure, stiffness and abundance contributes to several pathological conditions, such as fibrosis and invasive cancer. A better understanding of how the ECM regulates organ structure and function and of how ECM remodelling affects disease progression will contribute to the development of new therapeutics.
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