The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Tissue Development, Repair, and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and molecules that provides scaffolding and mechanical support to tissues. In addition to providing basic structure, the ECM is critical in signaling due to cellular interactions, growth factor binding, and mechanotransduction. The composition of the ECM varies based on the requirements of the tissue, and it will vary based on age and disease state. The interactions between cells and the ECM are dynamic and bidirectional, as cells produce and remodel the ECM, while, at the same time, the ECM communicates with cells through biochemical and physical cues. Cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, differentiation, and polarity are all influenced by the ECM, making it an important consideration in physiological and pathological conditions. During tissue repair and remodeling, there is still much left to be learned about how these interactions can lead to tissue regeneration or scar-free healing. In disease states, such as tumors with a stiff ECM, it is unclear which comes first: changes in the ECM that influence the cells or cellular changes that result in differences in the ECM. What is clear is that communication between cells and the ECM is important in tissue remodeling and homeostasis. Our knowledge of cell–ECM interactions is constantly evolving due to the many different components and methods of signaling. Understanding how this reciprocal signaling works could improve wound repair, tissue regeneration, and the treatment or prevention of disease and anti-senescence. Topics of interest include the molecular mechanisms behind cell–ECM interactions; ECM remodeling in specific diseases such as cancer, fibrosis, and cardiovascular disease; mechanobiology and force transmission; the therapeutic targeting of ECM components; and applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering.

This Special Issue of Cells will highlight communication between cells and the ECM in physiological and pathological conditions. Contributions should discuss the impact of the ECM or ECM components on tissue development, remodeling, or disease states, including studies on the effects of biochemical and physical signaling inputs on the remodeling of the ECM by cells or through cell signaling due to variation in the ECM’s composition or presentation.

Dr. Stacey C. Schutte
Dr. Wei-Chih Lien
Dr. Ching-Yun Chen
Guest Editors

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• extracellular matrix
• matrisome
• cell–ECM interactions
• cell signaling