Extracellular matrix-mediated cellular communication in the heart

• Published in: Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology Vol. 91; pp. 228 - 237
• Main Authors: Valiente-Alandi, Iñigo, Schafer, Allison E., Blaxall, Burns C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2016
• Subjects: Cardiac remodeling; Cardiovascular; Cell Adhesion Molecules - genetics; Cell Adhesion Molecules - metabolism; Cell Communication; Collagen - genetics; Collagen - metabolism; Cytoskeleton - chemistry; Cytoskeleton - metabolism; Extracellular matrix; Extracellular Matrix - chemistry; Extracellular Matrix - metabolism; Fibroblast; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Fibroblasts - pathology; Fibronectins - genetics; Fibronectins - metabolism; Fibrosis; Gene Expression Regulation; Heart Failure - genetics; Heart Failure - metabolism; Heart Failure - pathology; Heart Injuries - genetics; Heart Injuries - metabolism; Heart Injuries - pathology; Myocardium - metabolism; Myocardium - pathology; Myocytes, Cardiac - metabolism; Myocytes, Cardiac - pathology; Osteonectin - genetics; Osteonectin - metabolism; Osteopontin - genetics; Osteopontin - metabolism; Signal Transduction; Tenascin - genetics; Tenascin - metabolism; Thrombospondins - genetics; Thrombospondins - metabolism; Extracellular matrix; Cardiac remodeling; Fibroblast; Fibrosis
• ISSN: 0022-2828; 1095-8584; 1095-8584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.01.011

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic scaffold that maintains tissue structure and dynamics. However, the view of the ECM as an inert architectural support has been increasingly challenged. The ECM is a vibrant meshwork, a crucial organizer of cellular microenvironments. It plays a direct role in cellular interactions regulating cell growth, survival, spreading, proliferation, differentiation and migration through the intricate relationship among cellular and acellular tissue components. This complex interrelationship preserves cardiac function during homeostasis; however it is also responsible for pathologic remodeling following myocardial injury. Therefore, enhancing our understanding of this cross-talk may provide mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of heart failure and suggest new approaches to novel, targeted pharmacologic therapies. This review explores the implications of ECM-cell interactions in myocardial cell behavior and cardiac function at baseline and following myocardial injury. •ECM acts as a dynamic scaffold for cells and is a reservoir for signaling molecules.•ECM-cell communication is critical for cell behavior before and after cardiac injury.•Better understanding of ECM-mediated signaling may lead to new HF targets.