Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, microfibrils, elastin, fibulins and matricellular proteins, such as thrombospondin. It also explores the concept that ECM components together with their cell surface receptors can be viewed as intricate nano-devices that allow cells to physically organize their 3-D-environment. Further, the role of the ECM in human disease and pathogenesis is discussed as well as the use of model organisms in elucidating ECM function.

Methods in Extra Cellular Matrix, Volume 142, a new volume in the Methods in Cell Biology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Unique to this updated volume are sections devoted to Elastin, Quantification of collagen and elastin, Fibrillins, Lysyl oxidase, Fibulins, Matrilins, Hyaluronic Acid, Small leucine-rich proteoglycans, Syndecans, Fibronectin, SPARC, Thrombospondins, Tenascins, Collagen IV, Multi-photon analysis of ECM, Cell-derived extracellular matrices, Laminins, Fibrillar Collagens, Imaging ECM in developing embryos, Analysis of Matrix Degradation, Ultrastructural analysis of ECM, Versican and Large proteoglycans, and an ECM crosslink analysis. This series covers a wide array of topics about the extracellular matrix, including an understanding of crucial proteins and glycoproteins components of ECM. - Contains contributions from experts in the field from across the world - Covers a wide array of topics on the extracellular matrix, including an understanding crucial proteins and the glycoproteins components of ECM - Includes analysis based topics, such as quantification of collagen and elastin, mulit-photon analysis of ECM and ECM crosslink analysis

Cells in the developing embryo depend on signals from the extracellular environment to help guide their differentiation. An important mediator in this process is the extracellular matrix – secreted macromolecules that interact to form large protein networks outside the cell. During development, the extracellular matrix serves to separate adjacent cell groups, participates in establishing morphogenic gradients, and, through its ability to interact directly will cell-surface receptors, provides developmental clocks and positional information. This volume discusses how the extracellular matrix influences fundamental developmental processes and how model systems can be used to elucidate ECM function. The topics addressed range from how ECM influences early development as well as repair processes in the adult that recapitulate developmental pathways.

The evolution of single cells into multicellular organisms was mediated, in large part, by the extracellular matrix. The proteins and glycoconjugates that make up the extracellular matrix provide structural support to cellular complexes, facilitate cell adhesion and migration, and impart mechanical properties that are important for tissue function. Each class of ECM macromolecule has evolved to incorporate distinctive properties that are defined by conserved modules that are mixed together to achieve appropriate function. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of how the major ECM components evolved over time in order to fill their specific roles found in modern organisms. The major focus is on the structural matrix proteins, matricellular proteins, and more complex ECM structures such as basement membranes. Adhesive proteins and their receptors are also discussed.

Using this book, the reader will gain a good foundation to the field complemented with a broad overview of characterisation, microfabrication and applications.

This book describes analysis techniques and results of topics such as physical backgrounds, chemical backgrounds, and principal methods of topo-optical reactions used in ultrastructure research of the ECM; orientation patterns of GAGs and collagen in different tissues/cartilage, cornea, kidney basement membranes, and skin; factors involved in the formation of submicroscopically ordered matrix structure; and cell-matrix interactions, including cytoskeleton-cell-membrane-matrix relationships. A summarization of the advantages and limitations of polarization microscopy compared to electron microscopy in ultracellular research is also included. Cell biologists, histologists, pathologists, and biochemists in connective tissue research will find this book to be an invaluable reference tool.