Complexity of matrix phenotypes

Abstract

The extracellular matrix is engaged in an ever-evolving and elegant ballet of dynamic reciprocity that directly and bi-directionally regulates cell behavior. Homeostatic and pathophysiological changes in cell-matrix signaling cascades manifest as complex matrix phenotypes. Indeed, the extracellular matrix can be implicated in virtually every known human disease, thus, making it the most critical and dynamic "organ" in the human body. The overall goal of this Special Issue is to provide an accurate and inclusive functional definition that addresses the inherent complexity of matrix phenotypes. This goal is summarily achieved via a corpus of expertly written articles, reviews and original research, focused at answering this question empirically and fundamentally via state-of-the-art methods and research strategies.

Keywords: ADAM, a disintegrin and metalloproteinases; AGE, advanced glycation end products; Angiogenesis; Cancer; Collagen; DDR1, discoidin domain receptor 1; ECM, extracellular matrix; EGF, epidermal growth factor; EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; EMILIN1, elastin microfibril interfacer 1; EMILIN2, elastin microfibril interfacer 2; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; ERα, estrogen receptor α; ERβ, estrogen receptor β; GBM, glioblastoma; HA, hyaluronan; HAS2, hyaluronan synthase 2; HAS2-AS1, HAS2 antisense 1; HB-EGF, heparin binding EGF; HMGA2, high-mobility group AT-Hook 2; IBC, inflammatory breast cancer; IGF-IR, insulin growth factor I receptor; IR-A, insulin receptor A; LEKTI, lympho-epithelial Kazal-type inhibitor; LOX, lysyl oxidases; LTBP, latent TGFβ-binding proteins; MAGP, microfibril-associated glycoproteins; MET, mesenchymal-epithelial transition; MMP, matrix metalloproteinases; Methodologies; OB, osteoblast; OI, osteogenesis imperfecta; PARs, protease activated receptors; PG, proteoglycans; PLL, poly-l-lysine; Proteoglycans; ROS, reactive oxygen species; RTK, receptor tyrosine kinase; SLRP, small leucine rich proteoglycans; SSR, solar-simulated radiation; TGFβ, transforming growth factor β; TNT, tunneling nanotubes; UVR, ultraviolet radiation; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; miR, microRNA; tPA, tissue-type plasminogen activator; uPA, urokinase-type plasminogen activator.