Extracellular Matrix Biology

ISBN : 9781639879045

Author : Brian Keathley

Publisher : Murphy & Moore Publishing

Year : 2025

Language : English

Type : Book

Description : The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and carbohydrates that surrounds cells within tissues and organs, providing structural support and influencing cellular behavior. Comprising proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, as well as proteoglycans and glycoproteins, the ECM regulates cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation. It serves as a scaffold for tissue organization and helps maintain tissue integrity and elasticity. Moreover, the ECM plays crucial roles in various physiological processes, including wound healing, embryonic development and immune response modulation. Dysregulation of ECM composition and function is associated with numerous diseases, such as fibrosis, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Understanding cell-ECM interactions is crucial for unraveling tissue homeostasis and disease pathology, offering therapeutic targets to restore ECM balance and function. The book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of extracellular matrix and the recent research in this field. It consists of contributions made by international experts on cell biology. Students, researchers, experts and all associated with ECM-related pathologies will benefit alike from this book.

Please register to recommend this book to the library.