Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:50
Preparation of Tunable Extracellular Matrix Microenvironments to Evaluate Schwann Cell Phenotype Specification
Published on: June 2, 2020
Extracellular matrix remodelling in degenerative cervical myelopathy
Noah D Poulin1,2,3, Sydney Brockie3, Koby Baranes1,2
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
Brain Communications
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) involves spinal cord changes similar to traumatic injury. This study found increased matrix deposition and scarring in DCM, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord compression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) causes spinal cord injury due to chronic compression.
- Pathophysiological changes in DCM resemble traumatic spinal cord injury, including gliosis, demyelination, and neuron loss.
- The impact of chronic spinal cord compression on extracellular matrix composition is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate extracellular matrix changes, specifically chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) and fibrosis, in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).
- To compare matrix deposition in human post-mortem DCM tissue and a mouse model of chronic spinal cord compression.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and transcriptomic analysis were used on human post-mortem tissue and a mouse model.
- Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) and fibrosis-related matrix deposition were assessed.
- A mouse model of chronic spinal cord compression was utilized.
Main Results:
- Human DCM tissue showed elevated astrogliosis, CSPG accumulation, and fibrotic collagen deposition compared to controls.
- Gliosis and fibrosis markers in human tissue were not significantly correlated with compression severity.
- The mouse model exhibited distinct astrocyte phenotypes and significantly increased markers of vascular and interstitial fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Astroglial CSPG deposition and fibrotic scarring are present in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).
- These fibrotic changes in DCM may occur in a more diffuse pattern than in traumatic spinal cord injury.
- Findings support previous observations of vascular fibrotic thickening in DCM, indicating potential therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Extracellular 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...
01:29The 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...
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...
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
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 MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Role 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...
A...