The Role of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Pathogenesis: 3rd Edition
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 18
Special Issue Editor
Interests: osteopontin; cancers; autoimmune diseases; inflammation; chronic diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases by contributing to tissue remodeling, cell signaling, and immune response modulation. The ECM is a complex network of proteins and other molecules that provides structural support and regulates cell behavior in tissues. In disease contexts, ECM proteins play crucial roles in various pathological processes.
One of the primary functions of ECM proteins is the maintenance of tissue integrity and architecture. Disruption or dysregulation of ECM proteins can lead to tissue remodeling, fibrosis, and impaired organ function. For example, in conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and liver cirrhosis, excessive deposition of ECM proteins—particularly collagens—disrupts normal tissue architecture and ultimately results in organ dysfunction.
Beyond their structural role, ECM proteins serve as signaling molecules by interacting with cell surface receptors to regulate cellular behavior. Integrins, a class of ECM receptors, are essential for cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Dysregulation of ECM–integrin interactions can contribute to cancer progression by promoting tumor cell invasion and metastasis. ECM proteins are also critically involved in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. In conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory cells release matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade ECM proteins, leading to joint destruction and tissue damage. In contrast, excessive ECM protein deposition in chronic inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis contributes to plaque formation and arterial stiffness.
Overall, ECM proteins play multifaceted roles in disease pathogenesis. Their dysregulation disrupts tissue homeostasis, promotes inflammation, facilitates tumor progression, and contributes to fibrosis and cardiovascular disorders. Understanding the complex interplay between ECM proteins and disease processes is therefore essential for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting the ECM to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
This Special Issue aims to bring together research articles and reviews that advance our understanding of the still poorly defined molecular mechanisms by which ECM proteins contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Dr. Davide Raineri
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- extracellular matrix proteins
- autoimmune disease
- cancer
- cardiovascular diseases
- inflammation
- chronic diseases
- human diseases
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