Search results for "extracellular matrix"
showing 10 items of 420 documents
Hematologic malignancies: The exosome contribution in tumor progression
2020
Abstract The bone marrow, composed of cells, extracellular matrix, and soluble factors, such as cytokines, chemokines and signaling molecules, provides a favorable microenvironment for hematologic tumor progression and for the development of drug resistance. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by tumor and surrounding cells, have emerged as important players within the bone marrow niche. Here we will discuss the current knowledge on the EV- mediated crosstalk between tumor and normal cells, in order to better understand how vesicles can contribute to tumor progression. Advances in the knowledge of the role of cell-derived EVs in tumor microenvironment highlight the possibility …
Reconstruction of Peritoneal-like Structure in Three-Dimensional Collagen Gel Matrix Culture
1997
The peritoneum is a serous membrane consisting of different kinds of cells and extracellular matrix components (ECM). The aim of the present study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture system for possible investigation of pathological conditions of the peritoneum. Human omental mesothelial cells (MC) and endothelial cells from the umbilical vein (EC) were cultivated either on (MC) or in (EC) a preformed type I collagen matrix. In 3D culture mesothelial cells showed their phenotypical in vivo characteristics and the synthesis of a new basal membrane (BM). Endothelial cells developed vessel-like structures, produce a BM and express E-selectin after TNF-alpha stimulation. Th…
Deep conservation of bivalve nacre proteins highlighted by shell matrix proteomics of the Unionoida Elliptio complanata and Villosa lienosa.
2016
The formation of the molluscan shell nacre is regulated to a large extent by a matrix of extracellular macromolecules that are secreted by the shell-forming tissue, the mantle. This so-called ‘calcifying matrix’ is a complex mixture of proteins, glycoproteins and polysaccharides that is assembled and occluded within the mineral phase during the calcification process. Better molecular-level characterization of the substances that regulate nacre formation is still required. Notable advances in expressed tag sequencing of freshwater mussels, such as Elliptio complanata and Villosa lienosa , provide a pre-requisite to further characterize bivalve nacre proteins by a proteomic approach. In this…
Integrin-dependent and -independent functions of astrocytic fibronectin in retinal angiogenesis
2011
Fibronectin (FN) is a major component of the extracellular matrix and functions in cell adhesion, cell spreading and cell migration. In the retina, FN is transiently expressed and assembled on astrocytes (ACs), which guide sprouting tip cells and deposit a provisional matrix for sprouting angiogenesis. The precise function of FN in retinal angiogenesis is largely unknown. Using genetic tools, we show that astrocytes are the major source of cellular FN during angiogenesis in the mouse retina. Deletion of astrocytic FN reduces radial endothelial migration during vascular plexus formation in a gene dose-dependent manner. This effect correlates with reduced VEGF receptor 2 and PI3K/AKT signalli…
Vitamin A deficiency alters the structure and collagen IV composition of rat renal basement membranes.
2005
Retinoids can modulate the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins with variable results depending on other contributing factors. Because changes in these proteins may alter the composition and impair the function of specialized ECM structures such as basement membranes (BMs), we studied the effects of vitamin A deficiency on renal BMs during the growing period. Newborn male rats were fed a vitamin A-deficient (VAD) diet for 50 d. The ultrastructure of renal BMs was analyzed by electron microscopy. Total collagen IV, the different alpha(IV) chains, matrix degrading metalloproteinases (MMP), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) were quantified by immunocytochemistry a…
Vitamin A Deficiency and Alterations in the Extracellular Matrix
2014
Vitamin A or retinol which is the natural precursor of several biologically active metabolites can be considered the most multifunctional vitamin in mammals. Its deficiency is currently, along with protein malnutrition, the most serious and common nutritional disorder worldwide. It is necessary for normal embryonic development and postnatal tissue homeostasis, and exerts important effects on cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. These actions are produced mainly by regulating the expression of a variety of proteins through transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms. Extracellular matrix proteins are among those whose synthesis is known to be modulated by vitamin A. Reti…
Effects of fabrication on the mechanics, microstructure and micromechanical environment of small intestinal submucosa scaffolds for vascular tissue e…
2013
In small intestinal submucosa scaffolds for functional tissue engineering, the impact of scaffold fabrication parameters on success rate may be related to the mechanotransductory properties of the final microstructural organization of collagen fibers. We hypothesized that two fabrication parameters, 1) preservation (P) or removal (R) of a dense collagen layer present in SIS and 2) SIS in a final dehydrated (D) or hydrated (H) state, have an effect on scaffold void area, microstructural anisotropy (fiber alignment) and mechanical anisotropy (global mechanical compliance). We further integrated our experimental measurements in a constitutive model to explore final effects on the micromechanic…
Editorial - Connecting the Dots: The Promises of Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Tissue Repair and Regeneration
2011
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) constitute a variety of cellular populations which were described first about 35 years ago in the bone marrow (BM) stroma [1]. These years have foreseen an exponential increase of reports pointing out features, stemness, markers, tissue sources and clinical applications of these cells. Cells with MSC features can be isolated from virtually every adult organ in the body, as well from a group of fetus-associated sources (cells derived from the latter tissues are collectively known as perinatal stem cells) [2]. In recent years, the umbilical cord arose as a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells, which can be isolated in relatively high numbers (compared to BM)…
The multiple facets of Cajal-Retzius neurons.
2021
ABSTRACTCajal-Retzius neurons (CRs) are among the first-born neurons in the developing cortex of reptiles, birds and mammals, including humans. The peculiarity of CRs lies in the fact they are initially embedded into the immature neuronal network before being almost completely eliminated by cell death at the end of cortical development. CRs are best known for controlling the migration of glutamatergic neurons and the formation of cortical layers through the secretion of the glycoprotein reelin. However, they have been shown to play numerous additional key roles at many steps of cortical development, spanning from patterning and sizing functional areas to synaptogenesis. The use of genetic l…
Procollagen C-proteinase Enhancer Stimulates Procollagen Processing by Binding to the C-propeptide Region Only*
2011
Background: Procollagen C-proteinase enhancer-1 (PCPE-1) is an extracellular glycoprotein that increases activity of certain zinc metalloproteinases involved in tissue development and repair. Results: PCPE-1 binds uniquely to the C-propeptide region of the procollagen molecule. Conclusion: PCPE-1 enhances proteolysis by binding solely to the procollagen C-propeptides. Significance: These data may lead to future applications in the development of antifibrotic therapies.