"Composition and Function of the Extracellular Matrix in the Human Body" ed. by Francesco Travascio

This book overviews the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in different tissues and organs of the human body.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an ensemble of non-cellular components present within all tissues and organs of the human body.

The ECM provides structural support for scaffolding cellular constituents and biochemical and biomechanical support for those events leading to tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis.

Essential components of all ECMs are water, proteins and polysaccharides. However, their composition, architecture and bioactivity greatly vary from tissue to tissue in relation to the specific role the ECM is required to assume.

Contents
Preface
1 The Importance of Extracellular Matrix in Skeletal Muscle Development and Function
2 Composition and Function of Extracellular Matrix in Development of Skeletal Muscle
3 Remodelling of Skeletal Muscle Extracellular Matrix: Effect of Unloading and Reloading
4 The Extracellular Matrix Complexome from Skeletal Muscle
5 The Extracellular Matrix in the Nervous System: The Good and the Bad Aspects
6 The Mosaic of Extracellular Matrix in the Central Nervous System as a Determinant of Glial Heterogeneity
7 Neuronal Plasticity in the Juvenile and Adult Brain Regulated by the Extracellular Matrix
8 CCN Family: Matricellular Proteins in Cartilage and Bone Development
9 Biophysical Properties of the Basal Lamina: A Highly Selective Extracellular Matrix
10 The Role of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in the Urinary Tract: A Literature Review
11 Mechanisms of Collagen Network Organization in Response to Tissue/Organ Damage
12 Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity: A Review of the Biology Masterpiece, Evaluation Systems, and Therapeutic Implications
13 Exploring the Extracellular Matrix to Create Biomaterials
14 Extracellular Matrix Enhances Therapeutic Effects of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine
15 New and Improved Tissue Engineering Techniques: Production of Exogenous Material-Free Stroma by the Self-Assembly Technique