PhD student Masaryk University Brno, Jihomoravsky kraj, Czech Republic
Abstract: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fundamental, yet often overlooked, component of tissue architecture. Beyond serving as a passive scaffold, the ECM dynamically regulates cellular behavior and tissue homeostasis through complex biochemical and biomechanical signals. Its continuous remodeling enables adaptation to environmental changes, while dysregulation of ECM dynamics can profoundly impact organ function and contribute to a range of pathological conditions such as fibrosis, tumor growth, metastasis, and impaired wound healing. While extensive studies have explored the ECM in individual species, there is a lack of comprehensive cross-species comparisons that can reveal both conserved and divergent aspects of ECM composition. Such comparisons are vital for understanding the evolutionary conservation of ECM components and for validating the relevance and translatability of animal models to human health and disease. In this study, we performed a detailed proteomic analysis of lung ECM from mouse, pig, and human tissues. By employing the method of decellularization, we isolated the ECM from the lung tissues of each species, ensuring the removal of cellular components and genetic material while preserving the intricate ECM composition and structure as confirmed through histological, immunofluorescent, biochemical assays, and electron microscopy. This approach allows for an accurate proteomic analysis of the ECM itself by eliminating predominant cellular proteins that might otherwise mask the detection of less abundant ECM components. These findings enhance understanding of the lung ECM matrisome, providing insights for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic strategies for ECM-related diseases. This cross-species approach also underscores the importance of evaluating animal models for their relevance to human biology, paving the way for more effective translational research in stem cell and regenerative medicine.
Funding Source: Resources for tissue engineering (MUNI/A/1738/2024)
