The first matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) was discovered in 1962 from the tail of a tadpole by
its ability to degrade collagen. As their name suggests, matrix metalloproteinases are …

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability and socioeconomic loss worldwide.
However, the current pharmacological approaches used to treat OA are largely palliative …

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

Salivary glands produce and secrete saliva, which is essential for maintaining oral health
and overall health. Understanding both the unique structure and physiological function of …

The local microenvironment, or niche, of a cancer cell plays important roles in cancer
development. A major component of the niche is the extracellular matrix (ECM), a complex …

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of various cell types embedded in an
altered extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM not only serves as a support for tumor cell but also …

The extracellular matrix (ECM) serves diverse functions and is a major component of the
cellular microenvironment. The ECM is a highly dynamic structure, constantly undergoing a …

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) form a subgroup of the matrix
metalloproteinase (MMP) family, and there are 6 MT-MMPs in humans. MT-MMPs are further …

The basement membrane is a thin but dense, sheet-like specialized type of extracellular
matrix that has remarkably diverse functions tailored to individual tissues and organs. Tightly …

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammalian systems; it can be found in organs
such as bones, the liver, kidney, heart, teeth, and skin. Collagen provides the necessary …