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Updated: May 19, 2026

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
Published on: June 14, 2016
Extracellular matrix and fibroblast communication following myocardial infarction
Yonggang Ma1, Ganesh V Halade, Merry L Lindsey
1San Antonio Cardiovascular Proteomics Center, Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 15355 Lambda Drive, MC 7755, San Antonio, TX 78245, USA.
Abstract:
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support by serving as a scaffold for cells, and as such the ECM maintains normal tissue homeostasis and mediates the repair response following injury. In response to myocardial infarction (MI), ECM expression is generally upregulated in the left ventricle (LV), which regulates LV remodeling by modulating scar formation. The ECM directly affects scar formation by regulating growth factor release and cell adhesion and indirectly affects scar formation by regulating the inflammatory, angiogenic, and fibroblast responses. This review summarizes the current literature on ECM expression patterns and fibroblast mechanisms in the myocardium, focusing on the ECM response to MI. In addition, we discuss future research areas that are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of ECM action, both in general and as a means to optimize infarct healing.
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