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Related Concept Videos

The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport01:16

Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport

Lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatics, are crucial in transporting lymph from peripheral tissues to our venous system. This process begins with lymph entering through tiny capillaries that branch through tissues. These capillaries have unique features such as larger diameters, thinner walls, and a distinctive one-way valve system formed by overlapping endothelial cells.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...

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Related Experiment Video

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Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice
05:59

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice

Published on: May 14, 2020

Interaction between the extracellular matrix and lymphatics: consequences for lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic

Helge Wiig1, Doruk Keskin, Raghu Kalluri

  • 1Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, United States.

Matrix Biology : Journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology
|August 24, 2010
PubMed
Summary

The extracellular matrix significantly influences lymphatic vessel growth and function. Understanding these interactions may lead to new therapies for lymphatic disorders and cancer metastasis.

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Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
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Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice
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Published on: May 14, 2020

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
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Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Lymphatic biology
  • Extracellular matrix research
  • Tumor microenvironment

Background:

  • The lymphatic system is crucial for fluid balance and immune surveillance.
  • Recent advances in molecular markers have expanded knowledge of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic function.
  • The extracellular matrix (ECM) role in lymphatics is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the extracellular matrix in lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic function.
  • To explore the impact of ECM-lymphatic interactions on tumor progression and metastasis.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting lymphangiogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on lymphangiogenesis and ECM.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying ECM-lymphatic interactions.
  • Synthesis of data on therapeutic implications of modulating lymphangiogenesis.

Main Results:

  • The ECM plays a critical, often overlooked, role in generating new lymphatic vessels.
  • ECM-lymphatic interactions influence tumor formation, growth, and metastasis.
  • Anti-lymphangiogenesis is an emerging therapeutic strategy, complementing anti-angiogenesis.
  • Enhancing lymphangiogenesis offers potential treatments for lymph accumulation disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding ECM-lymphatic interactions is key to advancing lymphatic biology.
  • This knowledge can improve therapies for conditions involving abnormal lymphatic function.
  • Targeting lymphangiogenesis presents novel therapeutic opportunities in oncology and lymphedema.