extracellular matrix

March 1, 2022

Probing cancer cell invasion

The rigidity of the extracellular matrix that surrounds cells impacts the contractile and invasive properties of head and neck cancer cells.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 8, 2019

New window on fibrosis

A previously unrecognized role for a cell surface receptor may open new therapeutic options for the treatment of fibrotic diseases.

By Bill Snyder
March 28, 2019

Cardiac dysfunction in DMD

The protein MMP7 is elevated in blood from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who have cardiac dysfunction, suggesting that it may be a biomarker for heart disease severity.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 17, 2016

ROCKs and cancer invasion

The rigidity of the microenvironment around cancer cells drives invasive behavior through distinct ROCK signaling pathways, which could guide the development of specific anti-invasive therapies.

By Sanjay Mishra
July 23, 2015

Targeting bone metastasis

The rigidity of the bone extracellular matrix increases the ability of tumor cells to destroy bone, suggesting new targets for anticancer drug development.

By VUMC News and Communications
January 8, 2015

Enzyme affects tumor metastasis

A protein that degrades the “matrix” between cells participates in the development of lung metastases from primary breast cancer in mouse models and may be a good target for breast cancer treatment.

By VUMC News and Communications
May 22, 2014

Cellular forces aid tumor invasion

The contractile machinery inside tumor cells increases invasive properties, suggesting it might be a good target to inhibit cancer cell spread.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 10, 2014

Matrix remodeling and insulin resistance

The extracellular matrix that surrounds cells plays a role in the development of insulin resistance.
By Will Fry
June 6, 2013

Matrix member key to insulin resistance

A component of the extracellular matrix that surrounds cells plays a role in insulin resistance and may be a good therapeutic target.
By Leigh MacMillan
December 16, 2011

Clues to skeletal form in ‘feelgood’ fish

Ela Knapik, associate professor of medicine, and colleagues are using zebrafish to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that cause birth defects of the face and skeleton.
By Leigh MacMillan