The traditional two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cell culture system (on a flat support) has long
been used in cancer research. However, this system cannot be fully translated into clinical …

The mammary gland is a compound, branched tubuloalveolar structure and a major
characteristic of mammals. The mammary gland has evolved from epidermal apocrine …

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor, has
a high mortality rate despite extensive efforts to develop new treatments. GBM exhibits both …

Kidney fibrosis is the common histological end-point of progressive, chronic kidney diseases
(CKDs) regardless of the underlying etiology. The hallmark of renal fibrosis, similar to all …

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 biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) dictate tissue-
specific cell behaviour. The molecules that are associated with the ECM of each tissue …

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the noncellular component present within all tissues and
organs, and provides not only essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents but …

From an evolutionary perspective keratan sulfate (KS) is the newest glycosaminoglycan
(GAG) but the least understood. KS is a sophisticated molecule with a diverse structure, and …

An important factor in the transition from an open to a closed circulatory system was a
change in vessel wall structure and composition that enabled the large arteries to store and …

The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of numerous macromolecules classified traditionally
into collagens, elastin, and microfibrillar proteins, proteoglycans including hyaluronan, and …