Proteomics of Extracellular Matrix Components in Fibrotic Diseases

Okafor, Azubuike Ikechukwu and Emuru, Edward Odey

Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria

Email: okafor.azubuike@gmail.com; phone number: +2348035723454

ABSTRACT

Fibrotic diseases, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, lead to tissue scarring and organ dysfunction. The ECM plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue architecture and cell signaling. However, during fibrosis, its composition and structure become dysregulated, exacerbating disease progression. Proteomics, the large-scale study of proteins, offers a powerful approach to analyze ECM components and their modifications in fibrotic diseases. This review explores the current state of ECM proteomics in various fibrotic conditions, including cardiac, hepatic, pulmonary, renal, and cutaneous fibrosis. It highlights the potential of proteomics to uncover novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and mechanisms underlying fibrotic disease progression. The article also discusses the challenges and future directions in ECM proteomics research, emphasizing the need for advanced technologies and integrative approaches to fully understand ECM dynamics in fibrosis.

Keywords: Extracellular Matrix (ECM), Fibrotic Diseases, Proteomics, Mass Spectrometry, Cardiac Fibrosis.

CITE AS: Okafor, Azubuike Ikechukwu and Emuru, Edward Odey Proteomics of Extracellular Matrix Components in Fibrotic Diseases. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES, 2023 2(1):1-5