Strategic outline of interventions targeting extracellular matrix for promoting healthy longevity

The extracellular matrix (ECM), composed of interlinked proteins outside of cells, is an important component of the human body that helps maintain tissue architecture and cellular homeostasis. As people age, the ECM undergoes changes that can lead to age-related morbidity and mortality. Despite its importance, ECM aging remains understudied in the field of geroscience. In this review, we discuss the core concepts of ECM integrity, outline the age-related challenges and subsequent pathologies and dis-eases, summarize diagnostic methods detecting a faulty ECM, and provide strategies targeting ECM homeostasis. To conceptual-ize this, we built a technology research tree to hierarchically visualize possible research sequences for studying ECM aging. This strategic framework will hopefully facilitate the development of future research on interventions to restore ECM integrity, which could potentially lead to the development of new drugs or therapeutic interventions promoting health during aging.

Automated summary

The extracellular matrix (ECM), an important component of the human body, undergoes changes with age that can lead to age-related diseases and mortality. Despite its significance, ECM aging is understudied in the field of geroscience. This review discusses the concept of ECM integrity, age-related challenges and pathologies, diagnostic methods, and strategies for maintaining ECM homeostasis, providing a framework for future research on interventions to restore ECM integrity and promote healthy aging.