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Biology Open Aug 2023The basement membrane (BM) is a thin, planar-organized extracellular matrix that underlies epithelia and surrounds most organs. During development, the BM is highly... (Review)
Review
The basement membrane (BM) is a thin, planar-organized extracellular matrix that underlies epithelia and surrounds most organs. During development, the BM is highly dynamic and simultaneously provides mechanical properties that stabilize tissue structure and shape organs. Moreover, it is important for cell polarity, cell migration, and cell signaling. Thereby BM diverges regarding molecular composition, structure, and modes of assembly. Different BM organization leads to various physical features. The mechanisms that regulate BM composition and structure and how this affects mechanical properties are not fully understood. Recent studies show that precise control of BM deposition or degradation can result in BMs with locally different protein densities, compositions, thicknesses, or polarization. Such heterogeneous matrices can induce temporospatial force anisotropy and enable tissue sculpting. In this Review, I address recent findings that provide new perspectives on the role of the BM in morphogenesis.
Topics: Basement Membrane; Morphogenesis; Extracellular Matrix; Cell Movement
PubMed: 37531197
DOI: 10.1242/bio.059980 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Jun 1990Fibronectins are widespread extracellular matrix and body fluid glycoproteins, capable of multiple interactions with cell surfaces and other matrix components. Their... (Review)
Review
Fibronectins are widespread extracellular matrix and body fluid glycoproteins, capable of multiple interactions with cell surfaces and other matrix components. Their structure at a molecular level has been resolved, yet there are still many unanswered questions regarding their biologic activity in vivo. Much data suggests that fibronectins may promote extracellular matrix assembly, and cell adhesion to those matrices. However, one outstanding enigma is that fibronectins may, under different circumstances, promote both cell migration and anchorage. An analysis of the interaction of fibroblasts with proteolytically derived and purified domains of plasma fibronectin revealed that the type of adhesion and the correlated cytoskeletal organization depended on multiple interactions of fibronectin domains with the cell surface. Human dermal fibroblasts were capable of interacting with the integrin-binding domain and both heparin-binding domains of the plasma fibronectin molecule and their interactions determined the type of adhesion. The same principle was seen in a study of the ability of plasma fibronectin to promote basement membrane assembly in an endodermal cell line, PF-HR9. There also, interactions of both heparin- and integrin-binding domains combined to promote the deposition of a proteoglycan, laminin, and type IV collagen-containing basement membrane matrix. The underlying conclusion from our studies is, therefore, that fibronectins may, through their different isotypes, multiple receptors, and varying interaction of one or more domains with those receptors, result in a spectrum of responses in different cell types. The molecular details of this array of biologic activities is not resolved but is the target of much current research.
Topics: Animals; Basement Membrane; Cell Adhesion; Cytoskeleton; Fibronectins; Humans; Skin
PubMed: 2191056
DOI: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12874973 -
Proteomics. Clinical Applications May 2016A goal of this study was to identify and investigate previously unrecognized components of the remodeling process in the progression to heart failure by comparing...
PURPOSE
A goal of this study was to identify and investigate previously unrecognized components of the remodeling process in the progression to heart failure by comparing protein expression in ischemic failing (F) and nonfailing (NF) human hearts.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Protein expression differences were investigated using multidimensional protein identification and validated by Western analysis. This approach detected basal lamina (BL) remodeling, and further studies analyzed samples for evidence of structural BL remodeling. A rat model of pressure overload (PO) was studied to determine whether nonischemic stressors also produce BL remodeling and impact cellular adhesion.
RESULTS
Differential protein expression of collagen IV, laminin α2, and nidogen-1 indicated BL remodeling develops in F versus NF hearts Periodic disruption of cardiac myocyte BL accompanied this process in F, but not NF heart. The rat PO myocardium also developed BL remodeling and compromised myocyte adhesion compared to sham controls.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Differential protein expression and evidence of structural and functional BL alterations develop during heart failure. The compromised adhesion associated with this remodeling indicates a high potential for dysfunctional cellular integrity and tethering in failing myocytes. Therapeutically targeting BL remodeling could slow or prevent the progression of heart disease.
Topics: Aged; Animals; Basement Membrane; Collagen Type IV; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation; Heart Failure; Humans; Laminin; Membrane Glycoproteins; Middle Aged; Myocardial Ischemia; Myocardium; Myocytes, Cardiac; Primary Cell Culture; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley
PubMed: 26756417
DOI: 10.1002/prca.201500099 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Dec 2022Embryonic development and growth in placental mammals proceeds with the support of exchanges of gases, nutrients and waste products between maternal tissues and... (Review)
Review
Embryonic development and growth in placental mammals proceeds with the support of exchanges of gases, nutrients and waste products between maternal tissues and offspring. Murine embryos are surrounded by several extraembryonic membranes, parietal and visceral yolk sacs, and amnion in the uterus. Notably, the parietal yolk sac is the most outer membrane, consists of three layers, trophoblasts and parietal endoderm (PaE) cells, and is separated by a thick basal lamina termed Reichert's membrane (RM). RM is composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) initially formed as the basement membrane of the trophectoderm of pre-implanted embryos and followed by the heavy deposition of ECM mainly produced in PaE cells of post-implanted embryos. In addition to the physiological roles of RM, such as gas and nutrient exchange, it also plays a crucial role in cushioning and dispersing intrauterine pressures exerted on embryos for normal egg-cylinder morphogenesis. Mechanistically, such intrauterine pressures generated by uterine smooth muscle contractions appear to be involved in the elongation of the egg-cylinder shape, along with primary axis formation, as an important biomechanical element . This review focuses on our current views of the roles of RM in properly buffering intrauterine mechanical forces for mouse egg-cylinder morphogenesis. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
Topics: Animals; Basement Membrane; Endoderm; Female; Gases; Mammals; Mice; Placenta; Pregnancy; Waste Products; Yolk Sac
PubMed: 36252218
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0257 -
Journal of Anatomy Aug 2019The structure and function of the skin relies on the complex expression pattern and organisation of extracellular matrix macromolecules, of which collagens are a... (Review)
Review
The structure and function of the skin relies on the complex expression pattern and organisation of extracellular matrix macromolecules, of which collagens are a principal component. The fibrillar collagens, types I and III, constitute over 90% of the collagen content within the skin and are the major determinants of the strength and stiffness of the tissue. However, the minor collagens also play a crucial regulatory role in a variety of processes, including cell anchorage, matrix assembly, and growth factor signalling. In this article, we review the expression patterns, key functions and involvement in disease pathogenesis of the minor collagens found in the skin. While it is clear that the minor collagens are important mediators of normal tissue function, homeostasis and repair, further insight into the molecular level structure and activity of these proteins is required for translation into clinical therapies.
Topics: Animals; Basement Membrane; Collagen; Dermis; Humans
PubMed: 31318053
DOI: 10.1111/joa.12584 -
The FEBS Journal Dec 2015Basement membranes (BMs) are thin sheets of extracellular matrix that outline epithelia, muscle fibers, blood vessels and peripheral nerves. The current view of BM... (Review)
Review
Basement membranes (BMs) are thin sheets of extracellular matrix that outline epithelia, muscle fibers, blood vessels and peripheral nerves. The current view of BM structure and functions is based mainly on transmission electron microscopy imaging, in vitro protein binding assays, and phenotype analysis of human patients, mutant mice and invertebrata. Recently, MS-based protein analysis, biomechanical testing and cell adhesion assays with in vivo derived BMs have led to new and unexpected insights. Proteomic analysis combined with ultrastructural studies showed that many BMs undergo compositional and structural changes with advancing age. Atomic force microscopy measurements in combination with phenotype analysis have revealed an altered mechanical stiffness that correlates with specific BM pathologies in mutant mice and human patients. Atomic force microscopy-based height measurements strongly suggest that BMs are more than two-fold thicker than previously estimated, providing greater freedom for modelling the large protein polymers within BMs. In addition, data gathered using BMs extracted from mutant mice showed that laminin has a crucial role in BM stability. Finally, recent evidence demonstrate that BMs are bi-functionally organized, leading to the proposition that BM-sidedness contributes to the alternating epithelial and stromal tissue arrangements that are found in all metazoan species. We propose that BMs are ancient structures with tissue-organizing functions and were essential in the evolution of metazoan species.
Topics: Animals; Basement Membrane; Humans; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Proteomics
PubMed: 26299746
DOI: 10.1111/febs.13495 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Jul 1983On histologic vertical sections of skin, the epidermis is separated from the dermis by an amorphous thin membrane, the basal lamina. Ultrastructurally, the basal lamina... (Review)
Review
On histologic vertical sections of skin, the epidermis is separated from the dermis by an amorphous thin membrane, the basal lamina. Ultrastructurally, the basal lamina is composed of four areas, including the basal-cell plasma membrane and hemidesmosomes, the lamina lucida, the lamina densa, and the sub-lamina densa fibrillar region. In culture, epidermal keratinocytes are able to produce hemidesmosomes, lamina lucida, and lamina densa. There is no evidence that cultured keratinocytes can produce sub-lamina densa fibrils. Biochemically, the lamina lucida contains two major glycoproteins. One, the bullous pemphigoid antigen, is synthesized by epidermal keratinocytes in vitro. These cells also synthesize laminin, the other glycoprotein of lamina lucida. At the interface between lamina lucida and lamina densa there is probably a heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Whether this proteoglycan is produced by keratinocytes in culture is not known, but the possibility can be considered. Lamina densa contains collagen IV, and this collagen is synthesized by keratinocytes in culture. However, cultured keratinocytes may also synthesize collagen types I, III, and V. Type V is associated with the basal lamina, but its exact location is unknown. Types I and III (if they are produced in vivo) would be situated in the sub-basal lamina region. The problem of fibronectin remains unsolved. There is "some" fibronectin in the lamina lucida, but its origin is not clear.
Topics: Animals; Basement Membrane; Epidermal Cells; Fibronectins; Glycoproteins; Heparitin Sulfate; Keratins; Laminin; Microscopy, Electron; Pemphigoid, Bullous; Protein Biosynthesis; Swine
PubMed: 6190963
DOI: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12540736 -
Biomacromolecules Aug 2022Advancements in the field of tissue engineering have led to the elucidation of physical and chemical characteristics of physiological basement membranes (BM) as... (Review)
Review
Advancements in the field of tissue engineering have led to the elucidation of physical and chemical characteristics of physiological basement membranes (BM) as specialized forms of the extracellular matrix. Efforts to recapitulate the intricate structure and biological composition of the BM have encountered various advancements due to its impact on cell fate, function, and regulation. More attention has been paid to synthesizing biocompatible and biofunctional fibrillar scaffolds that closely mimic the natural BM. Specific modifications in biomimetic BM have paved the way for the development of models like alveolar-capillary barrier, airway models, skin, blood-brain barrier, kidney barrier, and metastatic models, which can be used for personalized drug screening, understanding physiological and pathological pathways, and tissue implants. In this Review, we focus on the structure, composition, and functions of BM and the ongoing efforts to mimic it synthetically. Light has been shed on the advantages and limitations of various forms of biomimetic BM scaffolds including porous polymeric membranes, hydrogels, and electrospun membranes This Review further elaborates and justifies the significance of BM mimics in tissue engineering, in particular in the development of organ model systems.
Topics: Basement Membrane; Cell Differentiation; Extracellular Matrix; Skin; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds
PubMed: 35839343
DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00402 -
Bioscience Reports Aug 2021Basement membranes (BMs) are highly specialised extracellular matrix (ECM) structures that within the heart underlie endothelial cells (ECs) and surround cardiomyocytes... (Review)
Review
Basement membranes (BMs) are highly specialised extracellular matrix (ECM) structures that within the heart underlie endothelial cells (ECs) and surround cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. They generate a dynamic and structurally supportive environment throughout cardiac development and maturation by providing physical anchorage to the underlying interstitium, structural support to the tissue, and by influencing cell behaviour and signalling. While this provides a strong link between BM dysfunction and cardiac disease, the role of the BM in cardiac biology remains under-researched and our understanding regarding the mechanistic interplay between BM defects and their morphological and functional consequences remain important knowledge-gaps. In this review, we bring together emerging understanding of BM defects within the heart including in common cardiovascular pathologies such as contractile dysfunction and highlight some key questions that are now ready to be addressed.
Topics: Animals; Basement Membrane; Cell Differentiation; Cellular Microenvironment; Heart Diseases; Humans; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Myocytes, Cardiac; Stress, Mechanical
PubMed: 34382650
DOI: 10.1042/BSR20204185 -
Virology Mar 2011The mechanisms used by baculoviruses to exit the midgut and cause systemic infection of their insect hosts have been debated for decades. After being ingested,... (Review)
Review
The mechanisms used by baculoviruses to exit the midgut and cause systemic infection of their insect hosts have been debated for decades. After being ingested, baculoviruses reach the midgut, where several host barriers need to be overcome in order to establish successful infection. One of these barriers is the basal lamina, a presumably virus-impermeable extracellular layer secreted by the epithelial cells lining the midgut and trachea. This review discusses new evidence that demonstrates how these viruses breach the basal lamina and establish efficient systemic infections. The biochemical mechanisms involved in dismantling basal lamina during baculovirus infection may also provide new insights into the process of basal lamina remodeling in invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
Topics: Animals; Baculoviridae; Basement Membrane; Gastrointestinal Tract; Insecta; Trachea
PubMed: 21300392
DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2011.01.009