Structure and Function of Extracellular Matrix Macromolecules in Health and Disease

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic three-dimensional meshwork of macromolecules, including collagens, proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans, elastin, laminins, integrins, enzymes as well as several other structural and functional proteins/glycoproteins. ECM provides structural support to cells and tissues while orchestrating cell behavior, signaling, and tissue homeostasis. Once viewed primarily as a passive scaffold, the ECM is now recognized as an active regulator of cellular function, with chemical composition, conformation, and macromolecular interactions dictating its biological roles. The structural and functional characterization of ECM components sits at the chemistry-biology interface, where biochemical, biophysical, and structural approaches converge to reveal how individual macromolecules and their networks operate in health and contribute to disease. Yet despite considerable progress, key questions remain regarding how subtle changes in ECM macromolecule structure translate into functional alterations, and how this knowledge can be integrated into therapeutic intervention.This Research Topic aims to bring together the latest advances in the structure and function of ECM macromolecules, with particular emphasis on their roles in health and disease. It will compile Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Perspectives that explore proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, collagens, matrix proteinases and glycosidases, and other ECM components from chemical, biochemical, biophysical, and translational perspectives. We particularly welcome contributions that connect structural insights to functional consequences, that elucidate the mechanisms by which ECM macromolecules contribute to physiological processes and pathological conditions, and that inform the development of pharmacological targeting strategies, and highlight new advances in ECM-based biomaterials, 3D-matrix cell culture platforms and drug delivery systems. The aim is to provide a focused reference for researchers working at the chemistry-biology interface of matrix biology, and to foster collaboration between structural chemists, biochemists, cell biologists, and translational scientists in this rapidly expanding field.To capture the breadth of contemporary work on ECM macromolecules, we welcome Original Research, Brief Research Report, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Structural biology and biophysics of ECM macromolecules (proteoglycans, collagens, glycoproteins, elastin, laminins, among others)• Biochemistry and chemical characterization of glycosaminoglycans, including hyaluronic acid, heparins, and chondroitin sulfate• Matrix proteinases, ECM remodeling enzymes and pathways as well as ECM biosynthetic enzymes in physiological and pathological settings• ECM macromolecules in cancer progression, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment• Roles of ECM in cardiovascular disease, fibrosis, and inflammatory conditions• Pharmacological targeting of ECM components and matrix-modifying enzymes• ECM-based biomaterials, 3D cell platforms mimicking in vivo conditions, drug delivery systems, and translational applications• Interaction of ECM macromolecules and effectors using experimental and bioinformatic tools and databasesBy bringing together contributions from chemists, biochemists, biophysicists, and translational scientists, this Research Topic seeks to consolidate current knowledge and stimulate cross-disciplinary advances in ECM structure-function research. Topic editors: Nikos Karamanos, Hiroshi Kitagawa, Edwin Yates, Antonella Bisio Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82772/structure-and-function-of-extracellular-matrix-macromolecules-in-health-and-disease