Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

The Extracellular Matrix

The Extracellular Matrix

The Extracellular Matrix

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...

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...

Extracellular Matrix

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...

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

PCSK9 expression in human atherosclerotic lesions and vascular smooth muscle cells.

Atherosclerosis·2026

Same author

Author Correction: Neuroimmune cardiovascular interfaces control atherosclerosis.

Nature·2025

Same author

Aging in the vascular system: lessons from mechanobiology, computational approaches, and oxidative stress.

Cardiovascular research·2025

Same author

NF-κB-Mediated Upregulation of Tissue Factor Contributes to the Procoagulant Phenotype of Smooth Muscle Cells from Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm in Human.

Thrombosis and haemostasis·2025

Same author

Upregulation of the maresin pathway and PGE<sub>2</sub> metabolism in the failing human left ventricle.

Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular and cell biology of lipids·2025

Same author

Impaired fibrinolysis in JAK2V617F-related myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

[Aortic stenosis and extracellular matrix remodeling].

Najlah Kochtebane¹, Christine Choqueux, Jean-Baptiste Michel

¹INSERM UMR 698, Hématologie, Bio-Ingénierie et Remodelage Cardiovasculaire, Université Paris 7 Denis Diderot, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75877 Paris Cedex 18, France.

Biologie Aujourd'Hui

|July 4, 2012

Summary

Calcific aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease in Western countries, affecting 4% of the elderly. Tissue abnormalities and extracellular matrix remodeling in aortic valves contribute to its development.

More Related Videos

Studying Normal Tissue Radiation Effects using Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels

Studying Normal Tissue Radiation Effects using Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels

Published on: July 24, 2019

Fabricating a Kidney Cortex Extracellular Matrix-Derived Hydrogel

Fabricating a Kidney Cortex Extracellular Matrix-Derived Hydrogel

Published on: October 13, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

Studying Normal Tissue Radiation Effects using Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels

Studying Normal Tissue Radiation Effects using Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels

Published on: July 24, 2019

Fabricating a Kidney Cortex Extracellular Matrix-Derived Hydrogel

Fabricating a Kidney Cortex Extracellular Matrix-Derived Hydrogel

Published on: October 13, 2018

Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Biology
Pathology
Biochemistry

Background:

Valvular heart diseases pose a significant public health challenge.
Calcific aortic stenosis is now the predominant valvular disease in Western nations, particularly among the elderly.
It is the leading indication for valve replacement surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the pathological changes in aortic valves associated with aortic stenosis.
To understand the role of extracellular matrix remodeling in the progression of aortic stenosis.

Main Methods:

Histological examination of aortic valve tissue from patients with aortic stenosis.
Analysis of extracellular matrix components and cellular events.
Investigation of the role of serine proteases and the fibrinolytic system.

Main Results:

Aortic valves in stenosis exhibit calcium deposits, inflammation, lipids, neocapillaries, and extracellular matrix remodeling.
The aortic valve comprises fibrosa, spongiosa, and ventricularis layers with distinct matrix compositions.
Serine proteases, including fibrinolytic enzymes and matrix metalloproteinases, are implicated in matrix remodeling.
Plasmin-mediated hydrolysis of fibronectin induces valvular (myo)fibroblast apoptosis (anoikis).

Conclusions:

Cellular events and extracellular matrix remodeling are critical drivers in the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis.
Understanding these mechanisms may offer targets for therapeutic intervention.