2021/02/01 by Nargess Khalilgharibi, Yanlan Mao · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · Engineering · #Cellular Mechanics and Interactions #Cell Adhesion Molecules Research #3D Printing in Biomedical Research
paper · doi:10.1098/rsob.200360
openalex publication_date 2021/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
The basement membrane (BM) is a special type of extracellular matrix that lines the basal side of epithelial and endothelial tissues. Functionally, the BM is important for providing physical and biochemical cues to the overlying cells, sculpting the tissue into its correct size and shape. In this review, we focus on recent studies that have unveiled the complex mechanical properties of the BM. We discuss how these properties can change during development, homeostasis and disease via different molecular mechanisms, and the subsequent impact on tissue form and function in a variety of organisms. We also explore how better characterization of BM mechanics can contribute to disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as development of better in silico and in vitro models that not only impact the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but can also reduce the use of animals in research.