Open AccessBrain Extracellular Matrix in Neurodegeneration
Author(s) -
BonnehBarkay Dafna,
Wiley Clayton A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
brain pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.986
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1750-3639
pISSN - 1015-6305
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2008.00195.x
Subject(s) - neurodegeneration , extracellular matrix , neuroscience , function (biology) , biology , extracellular , microbiology and biotechnology , disease , medicine , pathology
The role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in neurological development, function and degeneration has evolved from a simplistic physical adhesion to a system of intricate cellular signaling. While most cells require ECM adhesion to survive, it is now clear that differentiated function is intimately dependent upon cellular interaction with the ECM. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ECM is increasingly found to be involved in the enigmatic process of neurodegeneration. Descriptive studies of human neurodegenerative disorders and experimental studies of animal models of neurodegeneration have begun to define potential mechanisms of ECM disruption that can lead to synaptic and neuronal loss.