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

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

3.0K
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...
3.0K
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

4.8K
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...
4.8K
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

3.2K
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...
3.2K
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

557
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...
557
Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina01:05

Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina

2.8K
Type IV collagen is a 400 nm long, network-forming collagen that acts as a barrier between the epithelial and endothelial cells. Type IV collagen  forms the backbone of the basement membrane by scaffolding with laminin, entactin, proteoglycans, and fibronectin. Apart from rendering structural support to the basement membrane, it also helps entail signaling potentials necessary for both pathological and physiological functions.
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can...
2.8K
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

11.4K
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...
11.4K

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Rapidly Progressive Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Pleurostoma richardsiae in an Immunosuppressed Patient.

The Journal of dermatology·2026
Same author

Elevated serum d-ROMs and lesional 4-HNE expression indicate oxidative stress in pemphigus.

Journal of dermatological science·2026
Same author

Plasmin-PAI-1 Imbalance Contributes to Hyperglycemia-Induced Vascular Calcification.

Journal of vascular research·2026
Same author

Verrucous Cutaneous Candidiasis on the Dorsum of the Finger.

The Journal of dermatology·2025
Same author

Pathogenic and Regulatory Roles of Fibrinolytic Factors in Autoimmune Diseases.

Current issues in molecular biology·2025
Same author

Psoriasis Vulgaris on Hemodialysis Patient's Arteriovenous Fistula.

Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan)·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 8, 2025

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

10.4K

Decrease in matrix metalloproteinase‑3 activity in systemic sclerosis fibroblasts causes α2‑antiplasmin and

Hirofumi Niwa1, Yosuke Kanno1, En Shu1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501‑1194, Japan.

Molecular Medicine Reports
|September 18, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) degrades alpha2-antiplasmin (α2AP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) fibroblasts, reducing fibrosis markers. This suggests MMP-3 as a potential therapeutic for SSc by targeting α2AP and extracellular matrix components.

More Related Videos

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
3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
06:46

3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Published on: February 25, 2022

2.2K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 8, 2025

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

10.4K
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
3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
06:46

3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Published on: February 25, 2022

2.2K

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology and Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease causing fibrosis, with elevated alpha2-antiplasmin (α2AP) expression in SSc dermal fibroblasts linked to fibrosis progression.
  • Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is an extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading enzyme, and its interaction with α2AP in SSc is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between α2AP and MMP-3 in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
  • To evaluate the effect of MMP-3 on α2AP and fibrotic markers in SSc fibroblasts.

Main Methods:

  • Serum levels of α2AP and MMP-3 were measured in SSc patients and healthy controls via ELISA.
  • α2AP, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 expression in normal and SSc fibroblasts were analyzed using western blotting.
  • Recombinant α2AP and MMP-3 were used to treat normal and SSc fibroblasts to assess effects on α-SMA and type I collagen.

Main Results:

  • Serum levels of α2AP and MMP-3 did not differ significantly between SSc patients and controls.
  • SSc fibroblasts showed increased α2AP expression and a decreased MMP-3/TIMP-1 ratio.
  • MMP-3 degraded α2AP, and its stimulation of SSc fibroblasts reduced α2AP, α-SMA, and type I collagen, reversing the pro-fibrotic phenotype.

Conclusions:

  • MMP-3 attenuates fibrosis progression in SSc by degrading α2AP and ECM components.
  • MMP-3 demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic agent for treating systemic sclerosis.