Biology of Extracellular Matrix – serie

The chapters in this book thoroughly cover the structure, regulation, and function of matrix metalloproteinases, and provide information on the latest strategies to inhibit enzyme activity. This work will be an indispensable reference tool for investigators with an interest in extracellular matrix biology, matrix turnover, enzymology and biochemistry of proteinases, developmental biology, pathology, and therapeutic interventions. Provides state-of-the-art information on a field with broad implications to many areas of biology Includes detailed coverage of the structure and regulation of all major matrix metalloproteinases Chapters focus on a timely and expanding field Topics have direct relevance to understanding human disease pathology of cancer, arthritis, and vascular disease Discusses latest strategies used in the development of new therapeutics to inhibit metalloproteinase activity

This book covers different omics aspects related to the extracellular matrix (ECM), namely specific omics resources focused on the extracellular matrix (e.g., databases, repositories and atlases), quantitative proteomics applied to specific extracellular matrices (e.g. basement membranes), biological processes such as ECM degradation (degradomics), cell-matrix interactions (adhesomes), signaling pathways, biomarker discovery and diseases, and interactomics (extracellular matrix interaction networks including not only protein-protein but also protein-glycosaminoglycan interactions). The volume also includes recent advances in glycomics and glycobioinformatics applied to proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, which are key biological players. The use of omics data to build dynamic models of ECM-regulated biological pathways is addressed, together with the requirement to standardize omic data, which is a prerequisite for the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) guiding principles for scientific data management.This book will be of great interest to a broad readership from beginners to advanced researchers, who are interested in extracellular matrix omics and will inspire future research topics.

This book covers different omics aspects related to the extracellular matrix (ECM), namely specific omics resources focused on the extracellular matrix (e.g., databases, repositories and atlases), quantitative proteomics applied to specific extracellular matrices (e.g. basement membranes), biological processes such as ECM degradation (degradomics), cell-matrix interactions (adhesomes), signaling pathways, biomarker discovery and diseases, and interactomics (extracellular matrix interaction networks including not only protein-protein but also protein-glycosaminoglycan interactions). The volume also includes recent advances in glycomics and glycobioinformatics applied to proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, which are key biological players. The use of omics data to build dynamic models of ECM-regulated biological pathways is addressed, together with the requirement to standardize omic data, which is a prerequisite for the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) guiding principles for scientific data management.This book will be of great interest to a broad readership from beginners to advanced researchers, who are interested in extracellular matrix omics and will inspire future research topics.

This book aims at providing insights into the collagen superfamily and the remarkable diversity of collagen function within the extracellular matrix. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying collagen-related diseases such as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, osteogenesis imperfecta, as well as collagen-related myopathies and neurological disorders are discussed.Collagens are the most abundant extracellular matrix proteins in organisms. Their primary function is to provide structural support and strength to cells and to maintain biomechanical integrity of tissues. However, collagens can no longer be considered just as structural proteins. They can act as extracellular modulators of signaling events and serve critical regulatory roles in various cell functions during embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Furthermore, collagens are associated with a broad spectrum of heritability-related diseases known as “collagenopathies” that affect a multitude of organs and tissues including sensorial organs.The book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in extracellular matrix research. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and clinicians working on collagens and collagenopathies, giving them a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.

This book aims at providing insights into the collagen superfamily and the remarkable diversity of collagen function within the extracellular matrix. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying collagen-related diseases such as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, osteogenesis imperfecta, as well as collagen-related myopathies and neurological disorders are discussed.Collagens are the most abundant extracellular matrix proteins in organisms. Their primary function is to provide structural support and strength to cells and to maintain biomechanical integrity of tissues. However, collagens can no longer be considered just as structural proteins. They can act as extracellular modulators of signaling events and serve critical regulatory roles in various cell functions during embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Furthermore, collagens are associated with a broad spectrum of heritability-related diseases known as “collagenopathies” that affect a multitude of organs and tissues including sensorial organs.The book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in extracellular matrix research. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and clinicians working on collagens and collagenopathies, giving them a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.

This book provides a state-of-the-art compendium on the role of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans during development and in cancer. It also suggests directions for novel therapeutic and biotechnological applications in stem cell biology. Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, as part of the extracellular matrix, are multifunctional modulators of growth factor, cytokine, integrin and morphogen signaling, which determine both self-renewal, senescence and/or differentiation of stem cells during development. Since proteoglycans modulate cell adhesion and migration they are important organizers of the extracellular matrix within the proper stem cell niche. A malfunctioning of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans contributes to the cancer stem cell phenotype, which is linked to therapeutic resistance and recurrence in malignant disease. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the extracellular matrix and its role in development.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology.

This book provides a state-of-the-art compendium on the role of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans during development and in cancer. It also suggests directions for novel therapeutic and biotechnological applications in stem cell biology. Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, as part of the extracellular matrix, are multifunctional modulators of growth factor, cytokine, integrin and morphogen signaling, which determine both self-renewal, senescence and/or differentiation of stem cells during development. Since proteoglycans modulate cell adhesion and migration they are important organizers of the extracellular matrix within the proper stem cell niche. A malfunctioning of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans contributes to the cancer stem cell phenotype, which is linked to therapeutic resistance and recurrence in malignant disease. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the extracellular matrix and its role in development.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology.

This book addresses the structural and biological properties of dental and peridental tissue structures and covers their mineralization process. The book contains a description of dentines, cementum, enamel and bone, including collagens, as well as non-collagenous proteins (SIBLINGs, SLRPs, GAGs, PGs, lipids, and MMPs).The mechanisms of mineralization are described in detail and the book is focused on matrix vesicles, collagen mineralization and the role of non-collagenous extracellular matrix components either as promoters or inhibitors of mineralization. In addition, the matrix components (non-collagenous) of enamel (amelogenin, ameloblastin, enamelin, MMP4, MMP20 and other proteases) are reviewed and their respective roles in dental tissues biomineralizations and tissue turnover are discussed. Additionally, environmental factors involved in enamel / dentin defects are adressed.With state-of-the-art contributions from experts in the respective domains, the book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in dental and peridental tissue biomineralization. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and clinicians working in dental research, giving them a broader view of the topic beyond their area of specialization.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology.

This book addresses the structural and biological properties of dental and peridental tissue structures and covers their mineralization process. The book contains a description of dentines, cementum, enamel and bone, including collagens, as well as non-collagenous proteins (SIBLINGs, SLRPs, GAGs, PGs, lipids, and MMPs).The mechanisms of mineralization are described in detail and the book is focused on matrix vesicles, collagen mineralization and the role of non-collagenous extracellular matrix components either as promoters or inhibitors of mineralization. In addition, the matrix components (non-collagenous) of enamel (amelogenin, ameloblastin, enamelin, MMP4, MMP20 and other proteases) are reviewed and their respective roles in dental tissues biomineralizations and tissue turnover are discussed. Additionally, environmental factors involved in enamel / dentin defects are adressed.With state-of-the-art contributions from experts in the respective domains, the book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in dental and peridental tissue biomineralization. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and clinicians working in dental research, giving them a broader view of the topic beyond their area of specialization.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology.

This book introduces the most important and best studied extracellular and pericellular molecules of the tumor microenvironment. It gives a comprehensive overview of their role in tumor development and cancer progression.Twelve chapters deal with the biochemical and biophysical background of extracellular matrix (ECM) changes in the tumor stroma compared to the physiological state. The reader learns about the major ECM components that are deregulated during cancer development and how they are associated with cancer progression associated with survival, inflammation process, among others. These are followed by recent data about the cooperative activity of extracellular matrix in tumor metabolism, promoting cancer progression.Two chapters focus specifically on the critical role of the ECM in tumor angiogenesis, linking this process to cellular infiltration and metastatic behavior of tumors.The final part describes how the ECM influences the success of immuno- and chemotherapy in cancer patients, its potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic target, as well as the mechanism of resistance-associated changes in the ECM.   This book is an interesting read for anyone who want to know more about ECM and cancer biology. Early career scientists can use it as an introduction to the field, offering an excellent tool for studying ECM. Advanced researchers and clinicians can gain a broader overview of the subject, considering the role of ECM for influencing every cancer hallmark as well as in the response of cancer treatments. The work serves to inspire future research and shows that the ECM should be considered as an important factor in the development of cancer therapeutics.   The series "Biology of Extracellular Matrix" is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

This book introduces the most important and best studied extracellular and pericellular molecules of the tumor microenvironment. It gives a comprehensive overview of their role in tumor development and cancer progression.Twelve chapters deal with the biochemical and biophysical background of extracellular matrix (ECM) changes in the tumor stroma compared to the physiological state. The reader learns about the major ECM components that are deregulated during cancer development and how they are associated with cancer progression associated with survival, inflammation process, among others. These are followed by recent data about the cooperative activity of extracellular matrix in tumor metabolism, promoting cancer progression.Two chapters focus specifically on the critical role of the ECM in tumor angiogenesis, linking this process to cellular infiltration and metastatic behavior of tumors.The final part describes how the ECM influences the success of immuno- and chemotherapy in cancer patients, its potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic target, as well as the mechanism of resistance-associated changes in the ECM.   This book is an interesting read for anyone who want to know more about ECM and cancer biology. Early career scientists can use it as an introduction to the field, offering an excellent tool for studying ECM. Advanced researchers and clinicians can gain a broader overview of the subject, considering the role of ECM for influencing every cancer hallmark as well as in the response of cancer treatments. The work serves to inspire future research and shows that the ECM should be considered as an important factor in the development of cancer therapeutics.   The series "Biology of Extracellular Matrix" is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

In the vasculature, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, vascular mechanosensing, and blood vessel stability.This book aims to provide the reader with an overview of the various roles of the ECM during angiogenesis and covers its important role for the maintenance of vascular integrity, capillary and arterial morphogenesis, as well as lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, aspects of regulation of endothelial cell and pericyte functions by the ECM under physiological and pathological conditions are discussed. In addition, the reader will learn more about different approaches to exploit ECM molecules for designing therapeutic approaches or as biomarkers to improve therapeutic decisions.Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Matrix Pathobiology and Angiogenesis is a valuable resource for experienced researchers and early career scientist alike, who are interested in in learning more about this exciting and developing field.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

In the vasculature, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, vascular mechanosensing, and blood vessel stability.This book aims to provide the reader with an overview of the various roles of the ECM during angiogenesis and covers its important role for the maintenance of vascular integrity, capillary and arterial morphogenesis, as well as lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, aspects of regulation of endothelial cell and pericyte functions by the ECM under physiological and pathological conditions are discussed. In addition, the reader will learn more about different approaches to exploit ECM molecules for designing therapeutic approaches or as biomarkers to improve therapeutic decisions.Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Matrix Pathobiology and Angiogenesis is a valuable resource for experienced researchers and early career scientist alike, who are interested in in learning more about this exciting and developing field.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors which anchor cells to different extracellular matrix proteins or act as cell-cell receptors. They play pivotal roles not only across a wide range of physiological processes including tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and regulation of cell growth, but also in numerous pathological conditions such as autoimmunity, infectious disease, and carcinogenesis.This book aims to provide readers a summary of the most important integrins and their respective biological functions. Readers will learn about knockout- and animal models to study the functionality of key collagen-, laminin-, and nephronectin-binding integrins. Additionally, the role of integrins in pathological tissue remodeling in joints and in developing and diseased cardiac tissue are discussed. Reviews of the current knowledge of the role of integrins in tissue and tumor fibrosis, angiogenesis and tumor progression are an important part of this work. Finally, the bookdiscusses integrins in the context of the immune system, how to target integrin-ligand interactions with antibodies, and the role of integrins as receptors for bacterial and viral cell invasion. Both experienced researchers and clinicians, as well as PhD students who wish to study the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules will find “Integrins in Health and Disease - Key Effectors of Cell-Matrix and Cell-Cell Interactions” authoritative, easily accessible, and vastly informative.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors which anchor cells to different extracellular matrix proteins or act as cell-cell receptors. They play pivotal roles not only across a wide range of physiological processes including tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and regulation of cell growth, but also in numerous pathological conditions such as autoimmunity, infectious disease, and carcinogenesis.This book aims to provide readers a summary of the most important integrins and their respective biological functions. Readers will learn about knockout- and animal models to study the functionality of key collagen-, laminin-, and nephronectin-binding integrins. Additionally, the role of integrins in pathological tissue remodeling in joints and in developing and diseased cardiac tissue are discussed. Reviews of the current knowledge of the role of integrins in tissue and tumor fibrosis, angiogenesis and tumor progression are an important part of this work. Finally, the bookdiscusses integrins in the context of the immune system, how to target integrin-ligand interactions with antibodies, and the role of integrins as receptors for bacterial and viral cell invasion. Both experienced researchers and clinicians, as well as PhD students who wish to study the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules will find “Integrins in Health and Disease - Key Effectors of Cell-Matrix and Cell-Cell Interactions” authoritative, easily accessible, and vastly informative.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

This book addresses the structural and biological properties of the extracellular matrix component and glycosaminoglycan polymer hyaluronan (or hyaluronic acid, HA).The book discusses various aspects of HA biology, e.g., HA synthesis and degradation, as well as the role of HA in embryogenesis, development, and cell maintenance. The reader will learn about the role of HA in different tissues as well as its biological activities triggered by the interaction with different HA receptors. A closer look is had at the involvement of HA in human pathologies such as cancer, kidney fibrosis and wound healing. Biotechnological and biomedical applications for HA such as scaffold generation and drug delivery, including the novel synthetic sulphated HA are explored.This work will appeal to a wide readership within the extracellular matrix and hyaluronan field. It can serve as an introduction to the field for junior scientists but can also help senior scientists to gain a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

This book addresses the structural and biological properties of the extracellular matrix component and glycosaminoglycan polymer hyaluronan (or hyaluronic acid, HA).The book discusses various aspects of HA biology, e.g., HA synthesis and degradation, as well as the role of HA in embryogenesis, development, and cell maintenance. The reader will learn about the role of HA in different tissues as well as its biological activities triggered by the interaction with different HA receptors. A closer look is had at the involvement of HA in human pathologies such as cancer, kidney fibrosis and wound healing. Biotechnological and biomedical applications for HA such as scaffold generation and drug delivery, including the novel synthetic sulphated HA are explored.This work will appeal to a wide readership within the extracellular matrix and hyaluronan field. It can serve as an introduction to the field for junior scientists but can also help senior scientists to gain a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

The cells in our body release a wide variety of factors into the extracellular space that help to signal, regulate and build the extracellular matrix. One of the most fascinating of these factors are extracellular vesicles (EVs). These lipid membrane-covered particles have now emerged as a new powerful method of near and distant intercellular communication. EVs facilitate communication between cells and their extracellular environment, which includes solid tissues and body fluids.This volume summarizes current knowledge on EVs as integral and active components of the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as the interplay between EVs and ECM molecules and how cancer cells modify their microenvironment by releasing EVs. Additionally, it discusses how EVs can mediate tissue repair and regeneration by modulating matrix degradation, protein cross-linking, and matrix calcification. The book explores instances where EVs play a crucial role in conditions related to matrix biology, such as cancer and arthritis, and considers their potential as therapeutic agents for these medical conditions.Both experienced researchers and clinicians, as well as PhD students who wish to study the extracellular matrix and extracellular vesicles will find this book is an excellent introduction into the field of EV biology with applications in matrix research.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

The cells in our body release a wide variety of factors into the extracellular space that help to signal, regulate and build the extracellular matrix. One of the most fascinating of these factors are extracellular vesicles (EVs). These lipid membrane-covered particles have now emerged as a new powerful method of near and distant intercellular communication. EVs facilitate communication between cells and their extracellular environment, which includes solid tissues and body fluids.This volume summarizes current knowledge on EVs as integral and active components of the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as the interplay between EVs and ECM molecules and how cancer cells modify their microenvironment by releasing EVs. Additionally, it discusses how EVs can mediate tissue repair and regeneration by modulating matrix degradation, protein cross-linking, and matrix calcification. The book explores instances where EVs play a crucial role in conditions related to matrix biology, such as cancer and arthritis, and considers their potential as therapeutic agents for these medical conditions.Both experienced researchers and clinicians, as well as PhD students who wish to study the extracellular matrix and extracellular vesicles will find this book is an excellent introduction into the field of EV biology with applications in matrix research.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

This book explores how defects in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, their post-translational modifications, and intracellular trafficking impact cartilage and bone integrity. It underscores the ECM's role in providing structural support, establishing morphogenetic gradients, and interacting with cell surface receptors in musculoskeletal tissues.The book delves into the structure and biology of the ECM in the skeleton, discussing skeletal disorders caused by mutations in genes associated with ECM proteins, synthesis, turnover, and signal transduction.Authored by experts who have made significant discoveries in the molecular mechanisms of skeletal disorders and are developing therapeutic strategies, this book is an invaluable research for both scientists and clinicians seeking a comprehensive understanding of this growing and exciting field.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

This book emphasizes the importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in diseases and explains how this knowledge can be applied to tissue engineering. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a key regulator of cellular behavior, tissue architecture, and pathological processes. Integrating current advances in matrix biology, it elucidates how ECM composition, mechanical properties and biochemical signaling shape normal physiology and diverse disease states.The book examines the bidirectional crosstalk between cells and the ECM, detailing how matrix‑derived cues influence organelle dynamics, intracellular signaling pathways, and gene regulatory networks. Chapters analyze the contribution of ECM remodeling to cancer initiation, tumor dormancy, metastatic competence, inflammatory responses, and fibrotic progression. Special emphasis is placed on collagen and its post‑translational modifications, highlighting how molecular and supramolecular features underpin ECM stability, tissue mechanics, and disease susceptibility.At the same time, the book looks at how important ECM mimicking and ECM-derived materials are for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These scaffolds, designed to mimic natural signals in the microenvironment, create platforms for tissue repair, guiding stem cell differentiation and modelling disease mechanisms that are more relevant to the body. By combining molecular knowledge with new biomaterial strategies, the book highlights the potential of ECM-based approaches for new therapies.This work is targeted towards researchers, clinicians and advanced trainees in cell biology, biomedical engineering, oncology and regenerative medicine. It helps to understand how the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) intersects with disease mechanisms and therapeutic development. By emphasising mechanistic depth and interdisciplinary perspectives, the text provides readers with the conceptual and methodological foundations essential for advancing ECM-focused research and designing the next generation of biomedical interventions.

This volume provides an overview on the influence of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) on tumor progression. It covers topics such as signaling induced by structural ECM proteins including collagen and fibronectin, the control of ECM deposition and the turnover in tumors. Also discussed are the migration of cells through basement membranes and the function of proteoglycans including lumican and veriscan in tumor progression. Biomaterial-based in-vitro models as well as C. elegans models of the tumor microenvironment are used to show how these models can lead to a greater understanding of the disease mechanisms that promote cancer progression.  The book addresses researchers working on cancer biology or ECM, and oncologists alike.

This volume provides an overview on the influence of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) on tumor progression. It covers topics such as signaling induced by structural ECM proteins including collagen and fibronectin, the control of ECM deposition and the turnover in tumors. Also discussed are the migration of cells through basement membranes and the function of proteoglycans including lumican and veriscan in tumor progression. Biomaterial-based in-vitro models as well as C. elegans models of the tumor microenvironment are used to show how these models can lead to a greater understanding of the disease mechanisms that promote cancer progression.  The book addresses researchers working on cancer biology or ECM, and oncologists alike.

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.

Initially believed to be inactive molecules, glycans are now considered essential for life, both under normal and pathological conditions. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” reviews the most recent findings on the role of glycans in the development of diseases and the possible therapeutic use of this class of molecules. It shows how the interaction of glycans with growth factors, growth factor binding proteins, extracellular proteases, protease inhibitors, chemokines, morphogens, and adhesive proteins regulates inflammation, infection, cancer, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and embryonic stem cell biology. Furthermore, an extensive survey about the structure and pharmacological effects of unique marine glycosaminoglycans is discussed as well as the possibility of using these glycans as therapeutic agents.

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.

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.

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.

Initially believed to be inactive molecules, glycans are now considered essential for life, both under normal and pathological conditions. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” reviews the most recent findings on the role of glycans in the development of diseases and the possible therapeutic use of this class of molecules. It shows how the interaction of glycans with growth factors, growth factor binding proteins, extracellular proteases, protease inhibitors, chemokines, morphogens, and adhesive proteins regulates inflammation, infection, cancer, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and embryonic stem cell biology. Furthermore, an extensive survey about the structure and pharmacological effects of unique marine glycosaminoglycans is discussed as well as the possibility of using these glycans as therapeutic agents.