Integrins are considered the main cell-adhesion transmembrane receptors that play
multifaceted roles as extracellular matrix (ECM)-cytoskeletal linkers and transducers in …

Acting as a bridge between the cytoskeleton of the cell and the extra cellular matrix (ECM),
the cell-ECM adhesions with integrins at their core, play a major role in cell signalling to …

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the
maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular …

The formation of multiple cysts in the liver occurs in a number of isolated monogenic
diseases or multisystemic syndromes, during which bile ducts develop into fluid-filled biliary …

Pesticide thiram is widely used in agriculture and has been demonstrated to cause tibial
dyschondroplasia (TD) in birds. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This …

Silicone breast implants are commonly used for cosmetic and oncologic surgical indications
owing to their inertness and being nontoxic. However, complications including capsular …

Periostin, identified as a matricellular protein and an ECM protein, plays a central role in non-
neoplastic diseases. Periostin and its variants have been considered to be normally …

Polycystic kidney disease is typified by cysts in the kidney and extra-renal manifestations
including hypertension and heart failure. The main genetic underpinning this disease are …

Ectoparasitic dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum (AO) is one of the most pathogenic
protozoan parasites, causing amyloodiniosis in temperate and tropical marine fish. Golden …

Medial vascular calcification is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is closely
linked to hyperphosphatemia. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) can take up pro …