title: Remodelling the extracellular matrix in development and disease.
abstract: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic structure that is present in all tissues and continuously undergoes controlled remodelling. This process involves quantitative and qualitative changes in the ECM, mediated by specific enzymes that are responsible for ECM degradation, such as metalloproteinases. The ECM interacts with cells to regulate diverse functions, including proliferation, migration and differentiation. ECM remodelling is crucial for regulating the morphogenesis of the intestine and lungs, as well as of the mammary and submandibular glands. Dysregulation of ECM composition, structure, stiffness and abundance contributes to several pathological conditions, such as fibrosis and invasive cancer. A better understanding of how the ECM regulates organ structure and function and of how ECM remodelling affects disease progression will contribute to the development of new therapeutics.
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Anatomy, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94143-0452, USA. [2] Oncology Department, INSERM U661, Functional Genomic Institute, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34094 Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bonnans
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Anatomy, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94143-0452, USA. [2] Department of Medicine, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94143-0452, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94143-0452, USA.
authors.forename: Zena
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Werb
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D010450:Endopeptidases