The Extracellular Matrix And Ground Regulation

The workings of the suitable environment for cells—called the extracellular matrix (ECM) and ground regulation—has occupied the European medical tradition since the early part of the 20th century. As it has become more clear that the origin of disease and its first signals register in the connective tissue, or myofascia, cellular pathologists and biochemists have sought to circumscribe networks of cell communication and microcirculation in the ECM. Alfred Pischinger (1899-1982) continued this line of work by further studying, in work published from 1926 through the late seventies, the connections of the ECM to the hormonal and autonomic systems. In the last twenty years Professor and Doctor of Natural Sciences Hartmut Heine and his colleagues have carried on Pischinger’s work, here summarized in one volume. Part One encompasses theoretical underpinnings; Parts Two and Three address applications and directions for further research. This updated English-language translation not only is an account of the work of Pischinger’s successors—Heine, Otto Bergsmann, and Felix Perger, (the three editors of this volume) and their many colleagues—but notes the positive development of complementary therapies based on this understanding of histology. Acupuncture is referenced directly. Both in Europe and the States the work of manual therapists, including Rolfers, cranio- sacral therapists, and other somatic disciplines have been informed for many years by Pischinger’s outsider model of how changes in the EMC register in the central nervous system and the brain, and are conveyed back to the periphery and connected organs. Heine’s exciting recent work shows that the regulation and construction of the ECM have relationships to cybernetic non-linear systems and phase transitions.

Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, microfibrils, elastin, fibulins and matricellular proteins, such as thrombospondin. It also explores the concept that ECM components together with their cell surface receptors can be viewed as intricate nano-devices that allow cells to physically organize their 3-D-environment. Further, the role of the ECM in human disease and pathogenesis is discussed as well as the use of model organisms in elucidating ECM function.

In the ten-year interval since the first edition of this volume went to press, our knowledge of extracellular matrix (ECM) function and structure has enor mously increased. Extracellular matrix and cell-matrix interaction are now routine topics in the meetings and annual reviews sponsored by cell biology societies. Research in molecular biology has so advanced the number of known matrix molecules and the topic of gene structure and regulation that we won dered how best to incorporate the new material. For example, we deliberated over the inclusion of chapters on molecular genetics. We decided that with judicious editing we could present the recent findings in molecular biology within the same cell biology framework that was used for the first edition, using three broad headings: what is extracellular matrix, how is it made, and what does it do for cells? Maintaining control over the review of literature on the subject of ECM was not always an easy task, but we felt it was essential to production of a highly readable volume, one compact enough to serve the the student as an introduction and the investigator as a quick update on graduate the important recent discoveries. The first edition of this volume enjoyed con hope the reader finds this edition equally useful. siderable success; we D. Hay Elizabeth vii Contents Introductory Remarks 1 Elizabeth D. Hay PART I. WHAT IS EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX? Chapter 1 Collagen T. F. Linsenmayer 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. The Collagen Molecule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2. 1. Triple-Helical Domain(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Over the last decades cell biology and biological chemistry have increasingly turned their attention to the space between cells and revealed an elaborate network of macromolecules essential for structural support, cell adhesion and signaling. This comprehensive handbook of the extracellular matrix will give an overview of the current state of knowledge of matrix components (structure and function), their role in heath and disease (matrix pathobiology) and new aspects related to pharmacological targeting. It will provide an introduction to the extracellular matrix and detailed sections and chapters on: Importance of extracellular matrix in health and disease Matrix proteoglycans (aggrecan, versican, perlecan, SLRPs, syndecans, glypicans, serglycin) Matrix proteinases (remodeling, would healing, regulatory roles in health and disease, metalloproteinases, cystein proteases, plasmin and plasminogen activator system) Glycobiology (hyaluronan and sulfated glycosaminoglycans in cancer, inflammation and metabolic control) Collagens (supramolecular assembly, proteins binding collagen, scaffolds, bacterial and mutated collagens, procollagen proteinases) Cell surface receptors (integrins, syndecans, mechanical strain and TGFb, CD44 and DDR). Biotechnological and pharmacological outlook (matrix regulation by growth factors, hyaluronidases, pathobiology, disease targeting, delivery systems, EMT and proteomics). "The book Extracellular Matrix: Pathobiology and Signaling provides a comprehensive and up to date collection of very relevant topics for understanding the various facets of extracellular matrix and its interactions with cells in normal tissue as well as in disease. It represents the current front-line and will serve as a reference for extracellular matrix and posttranslational modifications." Dick Heinegård, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section Rheumatology, Lund University, Sweden

Regulation of Matrix Accumulation discusses the development of research and studies on connective tissue. This book emphasizes biochemical characterization of individual connective tissue components and interactions between cells and extracellular macromolecules. Other topics include the intracellular turnover of collagen; biological regulation of collagenase activity; feedback regulation of collagen synthesis; steroid hormone regulation of extracellular matrix proteins; and control of elastin synthesis, including its molecular and cellular aspects. The catalytic and biological properties of elastases; characterization and regulation of lysyl oxidase; and matrix accumulation and the development of form, considering proteoglycans and branching morphogenesis, are explained as well. Included in this text is an autobiography and personal retrospective by Miles Partridge, one of the contributors that greatly influenced the progress in understanding extracellular matrix biology. This publication is a good reference for students and researchers conducting work on biology, specifically on connective tissue.

Extracellular Matrix Influences on Gene Expression emerged from the Second international Santa Catalina Island Colloquium that deals with the discussion on the advances in the molecular biology of extracellular matrices and the epigenetic influences on cell function. Topics discussed include morphological descriptions, genetics, teratology, collagen heterogeneity, and mineralization. The book's 12 chapters discuss the chromosomal and extrachromosomal influences upon transcription, translational and post-translational regulations during development, and regulation of extracellular matrix molecular biosynthesis. The book describes the regulation of tissue-specific collagen biosynthesis and the extracellular matrix macromolecules. It contains papers that explain the outer cell surface specificity and cell interactions. Because there are advances as well in other specific topics, such as the epithelial-masenchymal interactions and extracellular matrix influences on gene expression, this book contains papers that deal with these subject matters. Furthermore, it explains the matrix-cell and cell-matrix interactions and mineralization processes, as well as the aberrations in developmental processes. This book will be useful to those individuals who study the scientific advances in developmental biology.

Written by international experts in the field, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and clinical practice of bioregulatory medicine. It opens with an overview of core concepts in homotoxicology, including the human body's defense and regulation systems, followed by a chapter on the development and evolution of illness. The authors cover the different preparation groups and discuss in detail the basic principles of antihomotoxic therapy: drainage and detoxification, immunomodulation, and cell and organ support. The final chapter focuses on the practical aspects of bioregulatory treatment, including the selection and availability of medications, indications, contraindications, and therapeutic strategies for a variety of common diseases.Highlights: Insights from renowned experts in homotoxicology Poster-size version of the Disease Evolution Table (DET), a key tool in daily practice Plant-, mineral-, and organ-based medications--how they work Practical information on various treatment methods, such as ointment dressings, injection therapies, and biopuncture 80 high-quality illustrations and diagrams that demonstrate key concepts Introduction to Bioregulatory Medicine is a valuable textbook for medical students, medical doctors, naturopathic physicians, homeopaths, and other health care professionals who wish to expand their knowledge in this field.

Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, microfibrils, elastin, fibulins and matricellular proteins, such as thrombospondin. It also explores the concept that ECM components together with their cell surface receptors can be viewed as intricate nano-devices that allow cells to physically organize their 3-D-environment. Further, the role of the ECM in human disease and pathogenesis is discussed as well as the use of model organisms in elucidating ECM function.