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Related Concept Videos

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

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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...
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Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

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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...
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The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

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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
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The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

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Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

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The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
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Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

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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...
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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
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Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

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Exogenous extracellular matrix proteins decrease cardiac fibroblast activation in stiffening microenvironment through

Xinming Wang1, Valinteshley Pierre1, Chao Liu1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology
|June 12, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Injectable fetal decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels reduce cardiac fibroblast activation and fibrosis, particularly in stiffer environments. This therapy shows promise for controlling scar formation and improving heart regeneration post-ischemia.

Keywords:
CAPGExtracellular matrix hydrogelFibroblast activationHeartMatrix stiffnessMyocardial infarction

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Area of Science:

  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Cardiovascular Biology

Background:

  • Fibrosis, or scarring, is a key factor limiting heart regeneration after ischemic injury.
  • Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels from early-aged hearts show potential for cardiac repair.
  • Understanding age-associated changes in tissue compliance is crucial for effective cardiac therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of injectable dECM hydrogels in a cardiac explant model.
  • To evaluate the impact of dECM hydrogels on cardiac fibroblast activation and fibrosis in relation to tissue stiffness.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying dECM hydrogel's anti-fibrotic action.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized cardiac explant models and elastomeric substrates to assess dECM hydrogel efficacy.
  • Investigated molecular effects of adult and fetal dECM hydrogels on cardiac fibroblasts.
  • Performed transcriptome analysis to identify affected signaling pathways, including cytoskeleton-related genes.

Main Results:

  • Injectable fetal dECM hydrogels decreased fibroblast activation and contractility.
  • dECM hydrogels mitigated stiffness-mediated increases in fibroblast activation, with effects most pronounced at higher stiffness.
  • Transcriptome analysis revealed dECM hydrogels modulate cytoskeleton signaling, impacting Macrophage capping protein (CAPG) and Leupaxin (LPXN).
  • CAPG downregulation and LPXN modulation by dECM hydrogels were linked to reduced fibroblast activation and collagen deposition.

Conclusions:

  • Fibroblast activation in cardiac fibrosis is a complex process influenced by both extracellular signals and mechanosignaling via cytoskeletal integrity.
  • Injectable fetal dECM hydrogels represent a promising therapeutic strategy to control cardiac fibrosis by modulating fibroblast behavior and mechanosensing.
  • The anti-fibrotic efficacy of dECM hydrogels is enhanced in stiffer microenvironments, suggesting tailored applications for fibrotic conditions.