Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a non-cellular three-dimensional macromolecular network
composed of collagens, proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans, elastin, fibronectin, laminins …

Soft connective tissues at steady state are dynamic; resident cells continually read
environmental cues and respond to them to promote homeostasis, including maintenance of …

Thoracic aortic diseases that involve progressive enlargement, acute dissection, or rupture
are influenced by the hemodynamic loads and mechanical properties of the wall. We have …

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 …

Background and Purpose—Recent work from our group suggests that human neural stem
cell–derived extracellular vesicle (NSC EV) treatment improves both tissue and …

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix has important roles in tissue integrity and human
health. Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors that are composed by two non …

The ability of elastic tissues to deform under physiological forces and to subsequently
release stored energy to drive passive recoil is vital to the function of many dynamic tissues …

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) increase the risk of aortic dissection or rupture and
represent an important source of morbidity and mortality. Inherited forms of the disease …

Elastic fibers provide recoil to tissues that undergo repeated stretch, such as the large
arteries and lung. These large extracellular matrix (ECM) structures contain numerous …

Fibrillin microfibrils are extensible polymers that endow connective tissues with long-range
elasticity and have widespread distributions in both elastic and non-elastic tissues. They act …