Extracellular matrices (ECM s) are highly specialized and dynamic three‐dimensional (3D)
scaffolds into which cells reside in tissues. ECM is composed of a variety of fibrillar …

We provide a comprehensive classification of the proteoglycan gene families and respective
protein cores. This updated nomenclature is based on three criteria: Cellular and subcellular …

The corneal stroma plays several pivotal roles within the eye. Optically, it is the main
refracting lens and thus has to combine almost perfect transmission of visible light with …

No other tissue in the body depends more on the composition and organization of the
extracellular matrix (ECM) for normal structure and function than the corneal stroma. The …

Evidence for the potent influence of stromal organization and function on invasion and
metastasis of breast tumors is ever growing. We have performed a rigorous examination of …

Chronic liver disease when accompanied by underlying fibrosis, is characterized by an
accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and chronic inflammation. Although …

The cornea is a transparent tissue with significant refractive and barrier functions. The
epithelium serves as the principal barrier to fluid and pathogens, a function performed …

Mechanical forces are essential to the development and progression of fibrosis, and are
likely to be as important as soluble factors. These forces regulate the phenotype and …

The corneal wound healing response, including the development of stromal opacity in some
eyes, is a process that often leads to scarring that occurs after injury, surgery or infection to …

Introduction• Perlecan: a pro‐angiogenic proteoglycan• Endorepellin, a C‐terminal fragment
of perlecan with anti‐angiogenic activity• Syndecans in cancer biology• Glypicans and the …