Changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) can have a big impact on how cells behave, which can lead to different illnesses.
The ECM is like a support structure for cells. It helps hold them together and gives them important signals about how to grow, move, or change into different types of cells. When this support system is damaged or changed, it can cause several problems:
Cell Communication Problems: If the ECM is not normal, cells might have trouble talking to each other. This can mess up how tissues work. For example, in cancer, tumor cells can change the ECM to help themselves survive and spread.
Inflammatory Diseases: When the ECM is not remodeled correctly, it can cause long-lasting inflammation. A good example is rheumatoid arthritis, where changes to the ECM can harm the joints.
Scarring (Fibrosis): If too many ECM proteins build up, it can lead to fibrosis. This is when organs like the liver or lungs get scarred and stop working properly.
Heart Problems: Changes in the ECM can affect how heart tissue changes shape, which can lead to issues like heart failure.
Learning about these changes helps us find new ways to treat diseases that are related to the ECM.
Changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) can have a big impact on how cells behave, which can lead to different illnesses.
The ECM is like a support structure for cells. It helps hold them together and gives them important signals about how to grow, move, or change into different types of cells. When this support system is damaged or changed, it can cause several problems:
Cell Communication Problems: If the ECM is not normal, cells might have trouble talking to each other. This can mess up how tissues work. For example, in cancer, tumor cells can change the ECM to help themselves survive and spread.
Inflammatory Diseases: When the ECM is not remodeled correctly, it can cause long-lasting inflammation. A good example is rheumatoid arthritis, where changes to the ECM can harm the joints.
Scarring (Fibrosis): If too many ECM proteins build up, it can lead to fibrosis. This is when organs like the liver or lungs get scarred and stop working properly.
Heart Problems: Changes in the ECM can affect how heart tissue changes shape, which can lead to issues like heart failure.
Learning about these changes helps us find new ways to treat diseases that are related to the ECM.