Extracellular Matrix and Fibrosis
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is involved in diverse, normal processes including embryonic development, cell migration, tissue remodeling, and ovulation, as well as in multiple disease states including inflammation, atherosclerosis, and tumorigenesis. Some ECM components include Hyaluronate (HA), a glycosaminoglycan with functions dictated by the differential expression patterns of HA-binding proteins.The ECM also contains many glycoproteins which participate in the structural and growth-regulatory functions of the matrix. These properties of isolated ECM molecules or heterogeneous extracts can be exploited for use as tissue culture reagents and tools for cell-based assays.