What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore the role of cell-extracellular matrix interactions in maintaining skin health and their implications in diseases.

February 2, 2011Open Access

Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interactions in Normal and Diseased Skin

Key Points

To explore the role of cell-extracellular matrix interactions in maintaining skin health and their implications in diseases.
Analysis of ECM composition within the epidermis and dermis.
Examination of integrin signaling in normal and diseased skin contexts.
Discussion of potential therapeutic strategies for skin repair and disease intervention.
Cell-ECM interactions are crucial for normal skin homeostasis, influencing processes like aging and wound healing.
Disturbed signaling pathways may lead to tumor formation and fibrosis in the skin.
Manipulation of cell-ECM interactions offers potential for innovative treatments in various skin conditions.

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.

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