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Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Stem Cell Maintenance

  • Cell:Cell Interactions in Stem Cell Maintenance (D Bonnet, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Stem cells reside in specialized anatomical locations called niches where supportive stromal cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulate their self-renewal and differentiation. This review explores the critical roles of the ECM in stem cell maintenance in tissue homeostasis, aging, and disease.

Recent Findings

It is well established that ECM proteins and their biomechanical properties control stem cell fate. In addition to specific molecular interactions, the ECM composition determines the topology and stiffness of the substrate, which also regulate stem cell behavior. Changes in the ECM during aging and disease can impair cell-ECM interactions and ultimately contribute to aging and disease pathogenesis.

Summary

A deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which the ECM regulates stem cell behavior in health, as well as during aging and in disease states, will facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies. These therapies should focus on recovering normal matrix synthesis and deposition aiming at promoting endogenous repair.

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Acknowledgements

Due to space limitations, a great body of literature has not been cited in this work; we apologize to our colleagues for the omission of their contribution.

Funding

This work has been partially funded by grants from ISCIII PI17/01346 and RD16/0011/0005, MINECO RYC-2015-18580 and SAF2017-89908-R, Gobierno de Navarra GNS80/2016, AECC, and AEFAT.

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  1. Ana Pardo-Saganta and Isabel A. Calvo contributed equally to this work.

  2. Borja Saez and Felipe Prosper contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    Ana Pardo-Saganta & Felipe Prosper

  2. Hematology-Oncology Department, Center for Applied Medical Research, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    Isabel A. Calvo, Borja Saez & Felipe Prosper

  3. Department of Hematology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    Felipe Prosper

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  1. Ana Pardo-Saganta
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Correspondence to Borja Saez or Felipe Prosper.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Cell:Cell Interactions in Stem Cell Maintenance

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Pardo-Saganta, A., Calvo, I.A., Saez, B. et al. Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Stem Cell Maintenance. Curr Stem Cell Rep 5, 1–10 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40778-019-0149-9

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