Introduction to the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The study of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its diverse roles in tissue scaffolding and cellular signaling in both physiological and pathological processes has significantly expanded over the past decade. Although well appreciated, the structural and biochemical complexity and the dynamic nature of the living matrix are still under extensive investigation, yielding a growing number of methods with varying degree of sophistication and intricacy.

Contents of Extracellular Matrix Protocols

In this edition of Extracellular Matrix Protocols, we compiled a variety of methods that can be readily reproduced in most cell biology laboratories, as well as several cutting-edge technologies that are indeed available in a limited number of centers, but are well worth the awareness and exposure to the ECM research community.

Organization of the Book Chapters

As in the previous edition, the book chapters are divided into sections that represent molecular biology techniques to study gene expression, biophysical and biochemical methods for the analysis of structure and composition, cell biology methods for the assessment of cell behavior and matrix assembly and tissue engineering applications. All chapters were contributed by scientists who developed the methods or mastered and perfected methods that were routinely used in their laboratories.

Practical Approach and Goals

An effort was made to provide practical working details and helpful notes for the nonexpert user in order to assist reproducibility and accuracy. We hope that these valuable protocols will become helpful tools for ECM researchers and will be further developed and tailored to the specific needs of a growing number of applications.