The Extracellular Matrix: an Overview

The Extracellular Matrix: an Overview
Author: Robert Mecham
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 429
Release: 2011-02-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642165559

Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, microfibrils, elastin, fibulins and matricellular proteins, such as thrombospondin. It also explores the concept that ECM components together with their cell surface receptors can be viewed as intricate nano-devices that allow cells to physically organize their 3-D-environment. Further, the role of the ECM in human disease and pathogenesis is discussed as well as the use of model organisms in elucidating ECM function.

Extracellular Matrix in Development

Extracellular Matrix in Development
Author: Douglas W. DeSimone
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 260
Release: 2013-03-15
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642359353

Cells in the developing embryo depend on signals from the extracellular environment to help guide their differentiation. An important mediator in this process is the extracellular matrix – secreted macromolecules that interact to form large protein networks outside the cell. During development, the extracellular matrix serves to separate adjacent cell groups, participates in establishing morphogenic gradients, and, through its ability to interact directly will cell-surface receptors, provides developmental clocks and positional information. This volume discusses how the extracellular matrix influences fundamental developmental processes and how model systems can be used to elucidate ECM function. The topics addressed range from how ECM influences early development as well as repair processes in the adult that recapitulate developmental pathways.

Lung Development

Lung Development
Author: Claude Gaultier
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 464
Release: 2013-05-27
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1461475376

Knowledge about the mechanisms of lung development has been growing rapidly, especially with regard to cellular and molecular aspects of growth and differentiation. This authoritative international volume reviews key aspects of lung development in health and disease by providing a comprehensive review of the complex series of cellular and molecular interactions required for lung development. It covers such topics as pulmonary hypoplasia, effects of malnutrition, and pulmaonary angiogenesis. An indispensable reference for all those involved in studying or treating lung disease in neonates and children, the book offers a unique view of the development of this essential organ.

Evolution of Extracellular Matrix

Evolution of Extracellular Matrix
Author: Fred W. Keeley
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 297
Release: 2013-03-15
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642360025

The evolution of single cells into multicellular organisms was mediated, in large part, by the extracellular matrix. The proteins and glycoconjugates that make up the extracellular matrix provide structural support to cellular complexes, facilitate cell adhesion and migration, and impart mechanical properties that are important for tissue function. Each class of ECM macromolecule has evolved to incorporate distinctive properties that are defined by conserved modules that are mixed together to achieve appropriate function. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of how the major ECM components evolved over time in order to fill their specific roles found in modern organisms. The major focus is on the structural matrix proteins, matricellular proteins, and more complex ECM structures such as basement membranes. Adhesive proteins and their receptors are also discussed.

Mechanobiology of Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Interactions

Mechanobiology of Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Interactions
Author: A. Wagoner Johnson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 329
Release: 2011-02-21
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1441980830

Mechanobiology of Cell-Matrix Interactions focuses on characterization and modeling of interactions between cells and their local extracellular environment, exploring how these interactions may mediate cell behavior. Studies of cell-matrix interactions rely on integrating engineering, (molecular and cellular) biology, and imaging disciplines. Recent advances in the field have begun to unravel our understanding of how cells gather information from their surrounding environment, and how they interrogate such information during the cell fate decision making process. Topics include adhesive and integrin-ligand interactions; extracellular influences on cell biology and behavior; cooperative mechanisms of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions; the mechanobiology of pathological processes; (multi-scale) modeling approaches to describe the complexity or cell-matrix interactions; and quantitative methods required for such experimental and modeling studies.

Connective Tissue Disease

Connective Tissue Disease
Author: Jouni Uitto
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 576
Release: 2021-07-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1000447227

This book is a collection of works that canvass many of the recent developments in various areas of connective tissue research. It focuses on the structure of the components, molecular organization and pathology of the extracellular matrix.

Relaxin and Related Peptides

Relaxin and Related Peptides
Author: Alexander I. Agoulnik
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 161
Release: 2008-12-19
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0387746722

This comprehensive book contains the latest information on diverse biological functions of relaxin and related peptide found since the recent discovery of relaxin receptors. It also describes the evolution of relaxin family peptides and their receptors, molecular mechanisms of ligand/receptor interaction and the analysis of activated signaling pathways.

Extracellular Matrix Degradation

Extracellular Matrix Degradation
Author: William C. Parks
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 262
Release: 2011-04-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642168612

Regulated turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of tissue homeostasis. In recent years, the enzymes that participate in, and control ECM turnover have been the focus of research that touches on development, tissue remodeling, inflammation and disease. This volume in the Biology of Extracellular Matrix series provides a review of the known classes of proteases that degrade ECM both outside and inside the cell. The specific EMC proteases that are discussed include cathepsins, bacterial collagenases, matrix metalloproteinases, meprins, serine proteases, and elastases. The volume also discusses the domains responsible for specific biochemical characteristics of the proteases and the physical interactions that occur when the protease interacts with substrate. The topics covered in this volume provide an important context for understanding the role that matrix-degrading proteases play in normal tissue remodeling and in diseases such as cancer and lung disease.