Year: 2011
Type: preprint
Abstract: Mammalian skin comprises a multi-layered epithelium, the epidermis, and an underlying connective tissue, the dermis. The epidermal extracellular matrix is a basement membrane, whereas the dermal ECM comprises fibrillar collagens and associated proteins. There is considerable heterogeneity in ECM composition within both epidermis and dermis. The functional significance of this extends beyond cell adhesion to a range of cell autonomous and nonautonomous processes, including control of epidermal stem cell fate. In skin, cell-ECM interactions influence normal homeostasis, aging, wound healing, and disease. Disturbed integrin and ECM signaling contributes to both tumor formation and fibrosis. Strategies for manipulating cell-ECM interactions to repair skin defects and intervene in a variety of skin diseases hold promise for the future.
Authors: F. M. Watt, H. Fujiwara
Institutions: Cancer Research UK, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Center
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology and Allergy
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2107642756