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)....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...