The cell microenvironment has emerged as a key determinant of cell behavior and function
in development, physiology, and pathophysiology. The extracellular matrix (ECM) within the …

Tissues stiffen during aging and during the pathological progression of cancer, fibrosis, and
cardiovascular disease. Extracellular matrix stiffness is emerging as a prominent mechanical …

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important in tumor microenvironment (TME)
driven cancer progression. However, CAFs are heterogeneous and still largely …

Cardiac fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix
in the heart, providing support to the contracting myocardium and contributing to a myriad of …

We provide a comprehensive classification of the proteoglycan gene families and respective
protein cores. This updated nomenclature is based on three criteria: Cellular and subcellular …

Obesity originates from an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure that
promotes adipose tissue expansion, which is necessary to buffer nutrient excess. Patients …

Myofibroblasts are activated in response to tissue injury with the primary task to repair lost or
damaged extracellular matrix. Enhanced collagen secretion and subsequent contraction …

Expansion on stiff culture substrates activates pro-fibrotic cell programs that are retained by
mechanical memory. Here, we show that priming on physiologically soft silicone substrates …

The discovery of the myofibroblast has allowed definition of the cell responsible for wound
contraction and for the development of fibrotic changes. This review summarizes the main …

Tissue injury disrupts the mechanical homeostasis that underlies normal tissue architecture
and function. The failure to resolve injury and restore homeostasis gives rise to progressive …