The main extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules of the articular cartilage are type II collagen and aggrecan1, 2. The disease progression of osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly complicated process involving mult
Collagens are the most abundant macromolecules of the ECM; they provide tensile and shear strength to the tissue and can also stabilize the matrix [26]. GAGs can attract water across the articular joint to resist compressional forces [38]. An excessive cartilage degradation mainly arbitrated by ...
The ECM, the major non-cellular component of the TME, comprises a complex mixture of macromolecules for example proteins, glycoproteins, proteoglycans and polysaccharides1. By supporting and organising cellular structures, the ECM contributes to major cellular processes such as cell proliferation, ...
Lysosomes are an important component of the inner membrane system and participate in numerous cell biological processes, such as macromolecular degradation, antigen presentation, intracellular pathogen destruction, plasma membrane repair, exosome release
High hopes are held for cardiac regenerative therapy, driving a vast research effort towards the development of various cardiac scaffolds using diverse technologies and materials. Nevertheless, the role of factors such as fabrication process and structur
Biochemical pathways involved in maintaining the functions of various ocular structures are very unique in nature. Therefore, understanding ocular biochemistry is of immense importance while exploring the changes during pathological conditions. These cha
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a stromal cell population with cell-of-origin, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through multiple pathways, activated CAFs can promote tum
The composition, density, chemistry and architecture of major globular and fibrillar proteins of the matrisome regulate the mechanical properties of the vasculature (i.e., stiffness/compliance). ECM proteins are linked via integrins to a protein adhesome directly connected to the actin cytoskeleton ...
Imaging techniques for visualization of the lymphatic system are less well developed than those for imaging of blood vessels for two major reasons. First, the lymphatic system is more difficult to “make visible”. It is normally not apparent to the naked eye even during surgery and its organiza...
1.1. Composition and contents of exosomes Exosomes carry various types of macromolecules from cells of different tissues and organs. The contents of exosomes are enwrapped within multivesicular body (MVB) membranes through inward invagination. The components of exosomes mainly include proteins, nucleic ac...