Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, “ECM Code in Physiological and Pathological Processes”, will mainly focus on the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during physiological tissue development and disease-state conditions.

The ECM is a complex network of macromolecules with a large role in cell behavior during development and organ pathology. ECM does not only provide physical support for tissue integrity and elasticity, but also controls tissue homeostasis by being constantly remodeled. Remodeling of ECM in physiological and pathological conditions is driven by local cells, as well as surrounding stroma tissue and immune cells. ECM remodeling enzymes orchestrate the reconstruction of the ECM. Specifically, it is performed by break-down enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), adamalysins, meprins, and cathepsins as well as matrix build-up enzymes, such as lysyl oxidases and hydroxylases. In addition, ECM proteins such as collagen, proteoglycans (PGs) and glycoproteins, known as matrisome, constitute the basement membrane and interstitial connective tissue with structural and functional role. A fast-growing field of ECM has highlighted the importance of microenvironment in healthy and pathological conditions and provide mechanistic understanding of many pathologies and novel therapeutic approaches in targeting ECM molecules.

In this Special Issue, authors from the ECM field are invited to submit original or review articles regarding the following topics:

• Glycobiology in matrix pathobiology;
• Extracellular matrix “omics”;
• Therapeutic approaches targeting ECM functionality;
• ECM-based advanced biomaterials;
• Bioinformatic approaches for better understanding of ECM impact;
• ECM-mediated immune response;
• Matrix enzymology and paracrine interactions;
• Cell-ECM interactions in matrix biology and pathology;
• Functional role of ECM macromolecules and their role in cellular signaling.

Dr. Nikolaos A. Afratis
Guest Editor

More info: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomedicines/special_issues/ECM_Code