ECM Profiling Antibody Sampler Kit

Background

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a cell surface associated three-dimensional macromolecular network composed of collagens, proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans, elastin, fibronectin, laminins, and several other glycoproteins (1). The network provides a dynamic microenvironment surrounding the cell enabling it to carry on its function. Among the ECM proteins, fibronectin functions as a mediator to bridge distinct ECM components such as collagens, growth factors, as well as cell surface integrins to regulate ECM structural change and initiate signaling pathways (2). During normal development and pathological conditions, the ECM network is highly dynamic and continuously undergoes remodeling marked by the change of the ECM structural components, such as COL1A1, COL11A1, fibronectin, and versican. The matrix-degrading enzyme MMPs such as MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9 are highly involved in this process (4). Additional players in this process are the LOX family members of lysyl oxidase. They catalyze the first step of the covalent cross-linking of ECM proteins, collagens, and elastin, which contributes to ECM stiffness and mechanical properties (5).