Editing Extracellular matrix (section)

==Clinical significance==
{{See also|Regenerative medicine}}
Extracellular matrix has been found to cause regrowth and healing of tissue. Although the mechanism of action by which extracellular matrix promotes constructive remodeling of tissue is still unknown, researchers now believe that Matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBVs) are a key player in the healing process.<ref name="Huleihel e1600502"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-07/uops-prs072816.php|title=Pitt researchers solve mystery on how regenerative medicine works|website=EurekAlert!|language=en|access-date=2017-03-01}}</ref> In human fetuses, for example, the extracellular matrix works with stem cells to grow and regrow all parts of the human body, and fetuses can regrow anything that gets damaged in the womb. Scientists have long believed that the matrix stops functioning after full development. It has been used in the past to help horses heal torn ligaments, but it is being researched further as a device for tissue regeneration in humans.<ref name="telegraph">[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1915228/Pixie-dust-helps-man-grow-new-finger.html 'Pixie dust' helps man grow new finger]</ref>

In terms of injury repair and [[tissue engineering]], the extracellular matrix serves two main purposes. First, it prevents the immune system from triggering from the injury and responding with inflammation and scar tissue. Next, it facilitates the surrounding cells to repair the tissue instead of forming scar tissue.<ref name="telegraph" />

For medical applications, the required ECM is usually extracted from [[pig bladder]]s, an easily accessible and relatively unused source. It is currently being used regularly to treat ulcers by closing the hole in the tissue that lines the stomach, but further research is currently being done by many universities as well as the U.S. Government for wounded soldier applications. As of early 2007, testing was being carried out on a military base in Texas. Scientists are using a powdered form on Iraq War veterans whose hands were damaged in the war.<ref>HowStuffWorks, [http://health.howstuffworks.com/extracellular-matrix.htm Humans Can Regrow Fingers?] In 2009, the St. Francis Heart Center announced the use of the extracellular matrix technology in [http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-08-2009/0005056423&EDATE=valve repair surgery]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310205604/http://health.howstuffworks.com/extracellular-matrix.htm |date=March 10, 2007 }}</ref>

Not all ECM devices come from the bladder. Extracellular matrix coming from pig small intestine submucosa are being used to repair "atrial septal defects" (ASD), "patent foramen ovale" (PFO) and [[inguinal hernia repair|inguinal hernia]]. After one year, 95% of the collagen ECM in these patches has been replaced by the body with the normal soft tissue of the heart.<ref>{{cite web
  | title = First Ever Implantation of Bioabsorbable Biostar Device at DHZB
  | quote = The almost transparent collagen matrix consists of medically purified pig intestine, which is broken down by the scavenger cells (macrophages) of the immune system. After about 1 year the collagen has been almost completely (90-95%) replaced by normal body tissue: only the tiny metal framework remains. An entirely absorbable implant is currently under development.
  | publisher = DHZB NEWS
  | date = December 2007
  | url = http://www.dhzb.de/international_services/dhzb_aktuell/detail/ansicht/pressedetail/290/
  | access-date = 2008-08-05
  | archive-date = 2008-12-11
  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081211051327/http://www.dhzb.de/international_services/dhzb_aktuell/detail/ansicht/pressedetail/290/
  | url-status = dead
  }}</ref>

Extracellular matrix proteins are commonly used in cell culture systems to maintain stem and precursor cells in an undifferentiated state during cell culture and function to induce differentiation of epithelial, endothelial and smooth muscle cells in vitro. Extracellular matrix proteins can also be used to support 3D cell culture in vitro for modelling tumor development.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kleinman HK, Luckenbill-Edds L, Cannon FW, Sephel GC | title = Use of extracellular matrix components for cell culture | journal = Analytical Biochemistry | volume = 166 | issue = 1 | pages = 1–13 | date = October 1987 | pmid = 3314585 | doi = 10.1016/0003-2697(87)90538-0 }}</ref>

A class of biomaterials derived from processing human or animal tissues to retain portions of the extracellular matrix are called [[ECM Biomaterial]].{{cn|date=April 2025}}