%0 Journal Article
%T The message from the matrix¡ªshould we listen more closely?
%A Janette K. Burgess
%A Markus Weckmann
%A Morten A. Karsdal
%J SCIE-indexed Journal
%D 2019
%R 10.21037/jtd.2019.01.68
%X The lung is the primary gas exchange organ of the human body. To achieve an effective gas exchange, the lung structure is morphologically divided into a micro-porous, parenchymal compartment (alveoli) and connecting airways. These connecting airways, the bronchi, starting from the alveoli upward, grow in diameter to finally form the bronchial tree and conjoin into the trachea. The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the lung is tailor-made to functionally support the gas exchange and efficient air transport. In the interstitium collagen mesh-works lend stabilizing characteristics to the ECM, while proteins like elastin confer elasticity to manage the expansion and contraction during tidal breathing. Rigidity, elasticity and structural compartmentalization was the long held, traditional belief of what the ECM contributed to lung function. Recent advances in understanding ECM-cell interactions however shine light on an alternative, arguably equally important function of the ECM proteins
%U http://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/27255/html