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Table 1. Extracellular matrix components can be divided into 3 main groups
Structural proteins Adhesion proteins Glycosaminoglycans Proteoglycans
Collagen Fibronectin Ialuronan Biglican
Elastin Fibrillin Heparan-sulphate Agregacan
Laminin Condroitn-sulphate Versican
Tenascine Neurocan
Vitronectine
Osteonectine

Figure 1. Interactions extracellular matrix cell

are also positively correlated with estrogen levels. Post-menopausal women with less estrogen, show a
decreased expression of TGF-b1 in skin fibroblasts, which may hamper the ability of fibroblasts to produce
collagen, elastin and proteoglycans.

THE MATRISOME: SIGNIFICANCE AND FUNCTION
In recent years, both antiaging and medical research have focused on ECM biochemistry and
pathophysiology as well as matrix dysregulation which can lead to disease progression [14,15] . The ECM
fills the intercellular space and is present in all connective tissues [Table 1]. Dermis and adipose, muscle,
bone, cartilage, and the surrounding parenchyma of organs, are all connective tissue, which highlights
the relevance of the ECM in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Within the intercellular space, phenomena
like cellular polarization and migration, regulation of growth factors, activation of signaling molecules,
and processes translating mechanical stimulation into a chemical signal through the involvement of
mechanosensitive channels are all essential for the maintenance of ECM elasticity and physiological tissue
stiffness [Figure 1]. Mechano-transduction in particular, is an increasingly well-studied process. When the
fibroblast is located in a stiff microenvironment, it will be stimulated continuously to produce new ECM.
In addition, basement membranes play a fundamental role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and the
transmission of mechano-transduction signals to the underlying dermis.

The molecular structure of the ECM is responsible for the above essential functions. The ECM is also
comprised of a complex network of proteins defined as the “matrisome” [Table 1]. The matrisome is now