Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

3.1K
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...
3.1K
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

4.5K
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...
4.5K
Introduction to Fibroblasts01:09

Introduction to Fibroblasts

3.5K
Rudolph Virchow discovered spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts in 1858. Inactive fibroblasts, called fibrocytes, become activated by various stimuli, such as growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Activated fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and cancer progression. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts results in fibrosis, the excess deposition of fibrous tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect normal organs. This...
3.5K
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

3.2K
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...
3.2K
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

11.0K
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...
11.0K
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

87.1K
Overview
87.1K

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Updated European Reference Network for rare Inherited and Congenital Digestive and Gastrointestinal Anomalies guidelines for the management of rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease 2025.

Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition·2026
Same author

Fostering continuous quality improvement in a European rare disease network: Where are we now?

Orphanet journal of rare diseases·2026
Same author

Meditope-Enabled Chimeric Antigen Receptors Facilitate Plug-and-Play Control of T Cells.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026
Same author

Investigating Interfacial Interactions between the Adjuvant and Antigens in Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine In Situ at the Molecular Level.

Analytical chemistry·2025
Same author

Durotaxis is a driver and potential therapeutic target in lung fibrosis and metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Nature cell biology·2025
Same author

GPR81 nuclear transportation is critical for cancer growth and progression in lung and other solid cancers.

World journal of clinical oncology·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 18, 2025

Fibroblast-Derived 3D Matrix System Applicable to Endothelial Tube Formation Assay
07:21

Fibroblast-Derived 3D Matrix System Applicable to Endothelial Tube Formation Assay

Published on: December 26, 2019

7.8K

Fibrotic extracellular matrix activates a profibrotic positive feedback loop.

Matthew W Parker, Daniel Rossi, Mark Peterson

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |March 5, 2014
    PubMed
    Summary

    Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) involves lung scarring driven by fibroblast interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM). IPF-derived ECM activates gene translation, promoting fibrosis through a feedback loop that may be targeted for treatment.

    More Related Videos

    Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
    10:21

    Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

    Published on: June 14, 2016

    10.3K
    Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
    06:02

    Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

    Published on: June 10, 2016

    12.5K

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Nov 18, 2025

    Fibroblast-Derived 3D Matrix System Applicable to Endothelial Tube Formation Assay
    07:21

    Fibroblast-Derived 3D Matrix System Applicable to Endothelial Tube Formation Assay

    Published on: December 26, 2019

    7.8K
    Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
    10:21

    Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

    Published on: June 14, 2016

    10.3K
    Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
    06:02

    Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

    Published on: June 10, 2016

    12.5K

    Area of Science:

    • Pulmonary Medicine
    • Cell Biology
    • Extracellular Matrix Biology

    Background:

    • Pathological extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by fibroblasts is a key driver of organ failure, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
    • The specific mechanisms driving IPF progression, particularly the interplay between fibroblasts and the ECM, remain incompletely understood.
    • Fibrotic scarring in IPF can lead to respiratory failure.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate how the cellular origin of fibroblasts and the origin of the lung ECM influence gene expression and translation in IPF.
    • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying fibroblast activation and ECM remodeling in IPF.
    • To identify potential therapeutic targets for interrupting the fibrotic feedback loop in IPF.

    Main Methods:

    • Primary fibroblasts from IPF and nonfibrotic lung tissue were cultured on decellularized lung ECM from IPF and control patients.
    • Transcriptome and translatome analyses were performed to assess gene expression and translational regulation.
    • MicroRNA (miR-29) levels and its role as a regulator of ECM protein synthesis were investigated.

    Main Results:

    • The origin of the ECM significantly impacted gene expression more than the origin of the fibroblasts.
    • Differences in translational control were more pronounced than transcriptional alterations.
    • Genes translationally activated by IPF-derived ECM were enriched for ECM proteins found in IPF tissue.
    • miR-29 was downregulated in fibroblasts cultured on IPF-derived ECM, and its restoration normalized ECM target gene expression.

    Conclusions:

    • A positive feedback loop exists between fibroblasts and aberrant ECM in IPF, driving pathological remodeling.
    • IPF-associated ECM proteins are regulated by miR-29, which is downregulated in IPF.
    • Targeting this fibroblast-ECM feedback loop presents a potential therapeutic strategy for IPF.