About this Research Topic
The extracellular matrix has gained increasing interest from both fundamental and translational research domains. Defining the complex biological, structural, and mechanical properties of ECM in development and disease has attracted significant attention from diverse scientific disciplines and resulted in the development of new probes, in vitro/in vivo models, high resolution/in situ imaging approaches, bioanalytical techniques, computational tools and in silico modeling. These new discoveries have provided significant insight into the biological mechanisms underpinning ECM deposition, crosslinking, organization, and turnover. However, the diverse nature of these studies can be challenging to navigate or access across disciplines which hinders the integration of multidisciplinary approaches to provide a better understanding of ECM biology. This topic collection aims to combine research from multiple disciplines in one place for better visibility of research from all fields to encourage greater integration of approaches in the future for a more holistic understanding of ECM and tissue biology.
In this Research Topic, we are inviting articles with the following themes:
• matrix modifications by environmental factors (such as pathogens or UV), during aging, or other external
stressors in the development or disease
• novel tools or methods for matrix visualization (e.g. imaging) or composition (e.g. proteomics)
• 3D models to mimic changes to the ECM in tissue inflammation, fibrosis, cancer, or development
• ECM biomechanics and interplay with cells during tissue inflammation, fibrosis, cancer, or development of qualitative and quantitative matrix modifications by tissue-resident cells (e.g.: ECM biosynthesis, matrix modifying enzymes) in tissue inflammation, fibrosis, cancer, or development
• mathematical models of ECM that aim to understand changes to tissue mechanics or effects on resident cells
We accept different article types including Original Research articles, Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives. A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this link.
Keywords: Quantitative and qualitative ECM modifications, Development, Disease, State of the art microscopy techniques, Matrix analysis tools, Mathematical modelling
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.