Extracellular Matrix Dynamics and Fetal Membrane Rupture

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in determining cell and organ function: (1) it is an organizing substrate that provides tissue tensile strength; (2) it anchors cells and influences cell morphology and function via interaction with cell surface receptors; and (3) it is a reserv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) Calif.), 2013-02, Vol.20 (2), p.140-153
Main Author: Strauss, Jerome F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Embryology
Extracellular Matrix - genetics
Extracellular Matrix - metabolism
Extracellular Matrix - pathology
Extraembryonic Membranes - metabolism
Extraembryonic Membranes - pathology
Female
Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture - genetics
Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture - metabolism
Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture - pathology
Humans
Matrix Metalloproteinases - genetics
Matrix Metalloproteinases - metabolism
Medicine & Public Health
Obstetrics/Perinatology/Midwifery
Pregnancy
Reproductive Medicine
Review
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Summary:The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in determining cell and organ function: (1) it is an organizing substrate that provides tissue tensile strength; (2) it anchors cells and influences cell morphology and function via interaction with cell surface receptors; and (3) it is a reservoir for growth factors. Alterations in the content and the composition of the ECM determine its physical and biological properties, including strength and susceptibility to degradation. The ECM components themselves also harbor cryptic matrikines, which when exposed by conformational change or proteolysis have potent effects on cell function, including stimulating the production of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Collectively, these properties of the ECM reflect a dynamic tissue component that influences both tissue form and function. This review illustrates how defects in ECM synthesis and metabolism and the physiological process of ECM turnover contribute to changes in the fetal membranes that precede normal parturition and contribute to the pathological events leading to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
ISSN:1933-7191
1933-7205
DOI:10.1177/1933719111424454