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Review
. 2024 Nov 8;25(22):12017.
doi: 10.3390/ijms252212017.

Vascular Extracellular Matrix in Atherosclerosis

Alessia Di Nubila  1 , Giovanna Dilella  1 , Rosa Simone  1 , Silvia S Barbieri  1
Affiliations
Review

Vascular Extracellular Matrix in Atherosclerosis

Alessia Di Nubila et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a central role in the structural integrity and functionality of the cardiovascular system. Moreover, the ECM is involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability. In fact, ECM remodeling affects plaque stability, cellular migration, and inflammatory responses. Collagens, fibronectin, laminin, elastin, and proteoglycans are crucial proteins during atherosclerosis development. This dynamic remodeling is driven by proteolytic enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cathepsins, and serine proteases. Exploring and investigating ECM dynamics is an important step to designing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting ECM remodeling mechanisms, thus offering significant advantages in the management of cardiovascular diseases. This review illustrates the structure and role of vascular ECM, presenting a new perspective on ECM remodeling and its potential as a therapeutic target in atherosclerosis treatments.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; collagen; elastin; extracellular matrix; fibronectin; proteoglycans; vascular tissue.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Therapeutic potential of ECM for atherosclerosis treatment.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cross-section of arterial ECM showing three layers: tunica intima, media, adventitia. Created with BioRender (2024).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Differences in the structure of the ECM in arteries and veins. Created with BioRender.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic representation of ECM highlighting key processes influenced by atherosclerosis. Created with BioRender.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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