Over the last decades cell biology and biological chemistry have increasingly turned their attention to the space between cells and revealed an elaborate network of macromolecules essential for structural support, cell adhesion and signaling. This comprehensive handbook of the extracellular matrix will give an overview of the current state of knowledge of matrix components (structure and function), their role in heath and disease (matrix pathobiology) and new aspects related to pharmacological targeting. It will provide an introduction to the extracellular matrix and detailed sections and chapters on: Importance of extracellular matrix in health and disease Matrix proteoglycans (aggrecan, versican, perlecan, SLRPs, syndecans, glypicans, serglycin) Matrix proteinases (remodeling, would healing, regulatory roles in health and disease, metalloproteinases, cystein proteases, plasmin and plasminogen activator system) Glycobiology (hyaluronan and sulfated glycosaminoglycans in cancer, inflammation and metabolic control) Collagens (supramolecular assembly, proteins binding collagen, scaffolds, bacterial and mutated collagens, procollagen proteinases) Cell surface receptors (integrins, syndecans, mechanical strain and TGFb, CD44 and DDR). Biotechnological and pharmacological outlook (matrix regulation by growth factors, hyaluronidases, pathobiology, disease targeting, delivery systems, EMT and proteomics). "The book Extracellular Matrix: Pathobiology and Signaling provides a comprehensive and up to date collection of very relevant topics for understanding the various facets of extracellular matrix and its interactions with cells in normal tissue as well as in disease. It represents the current front-line and will serve as a reference for extracellular matrix and posttranslational modifications." Dick Heinegård, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section Rheumatology, Lund University, Sweden

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.

Topic Editor Dr. Patrick Tang holds patents related to anticancer therapy and diabetic prevention. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic.

Cellular and Molecular Pathology of the Liver is extensive, complex and ranges from the understanding the basic molecular mechanisms that dictate everything from liver homeostasis to liver disease. Molecular Pathology of the liver is complicated due to some of the important functions inherent and unique to the Liver, including its innate ability to regenerate and the multitude of functions it plays for the wellbeing of an organism. With all this in mind, Molecular Pathology of Liver Diseases is organized in different sections, which will coherently and cohesively present the molecular basis of hepatic physiology and pathology. The first two sections are key to understanding the liver anatomy and physiology at a cellular level and go on to define the molecular mechanics in various liver cell types. These sections also cover the existing paradigms in liver development, regeneration and growth. The next section is key to understanding the Molecular Pathology unique to liver diseases and associated phenotypes. The final sections are geared towards the existing knowledge of the molecular basis of many common and uncommon liver diseases in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic areas including pathologies associated with intra-hepatic and extra-hepatic biliary tree. Thus, this textbook is a one-stop reference for comprehending the molecular mechanisms of hepatic pathobiology. It is clearly unique in its format, readability and information and thus will be an asset to many in the field of Pathology and other disciplines.

The microvasculature refers to the smallest blood vessels, arterial and venous, that nurture the tissues of each organ. Apart from transport, they also contribute to the systematic regulation of the body. In everyday terminology, the microcirculation is "where the action is." Microcirculation is directly involved in such disease states as Alzheimers, inflammation, tumor growth, diabetic retinopathy, and wound healing- plus cardiovascular fitness is directly related to the formation of new capillaries in large muscles. Microvascular Research is the first book devoted exclusively to this vital systemic component of the cardiovascular system and provides up to date mini-reviews of normal functions and clinical states. The contributing authors are senior scientists with international reputation in their given disciplines. This two-volume set is a broad, interdisciplinary work that encompasses basic research and clinical applications equally. * Broad coverage of both basic and clinical aspects of microvasculature research * Contains 167 chapters from over 300 international authors * Each chapter includes key figures and annotated references

Vascular Pharmacology: Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix, Volume 81, contains the latest information on the vascular cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix that is presented with helpful illustrations and supporting references by prominent scientists and highly-recognized experts in the vascular field. Topics of interest in this new release include Pharmacology of the Vascular Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix, The Dynamic Actin Cytoskeleton in Smooth Muscle, The Role of the Actin Cytoskeleton in the Regulation of Vascular Inflammation, The Smoothelin Family of Proteins and the Smooth Muscle Cell Contractile Apparatus, Smooth Muscle Cytoskeletal Network Regulates Expression of the Profibrotic Genes PAI-1 and CTGF, and more. - Presents a must-read book on the vascular cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix - Contains up-to-date information on the structure, function and development of the vascular cell cytoskeleton - Includes contributors from prominent scientists and highly-recognized experts with major accomplishments in the fields of the vascular cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, mechanotransduction and vascular remodeling

Linking basic science to clinical application throughout, Histology and Cell Biology: An Introduction to Pathology, 5th Edition, helps students build a stronger clinical knowledge base in the challenging area of pathologic abnormalities. This award-winning text presents key concepts in an understandable, easy-to-understand manner, with full-color illustrations, diagrams, photomicrographs, and pathology photos fully integrated on every page. Student-friendly features such as highlighted clinical terms, Clinical Conditions boxes, Essential Concepts boxes, concept mapping animations, and more help readers quickly grasp complex information. Features new content on cancer immunotherapy, satellite cells and muscle repair, vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in relation to cancer treatment, and mitochondria replacement therapies. Presents new material on ciliogenesis, microtubule assembly and disassembly, chromatin structure and condensation, and X chromosome inactivation, which directly impact therapy for ciliopathies, infertility, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Provides thoroughly updated information on gestational trophoblastic diseases, molecular aspects of breast cancer, and basic immunology, including new illustrations on the structure of the T-cell receptor, CD4+ cells subtypes and functions, and the structure of the human spleen. Uses a new, light green background throughout the text to identify essential concepts of histology – a feature requested by both students and instructors to quickly locate which concepts are most important for beginning learners or when time is limited. These essential concepts are followed by more detailed information on cell biology and pathology. Contains new Primers in most chapters that provide a practical, self-contained integration of histology, cell biology, and pathology – perfect for clarifying the relationship between basic and clinical sciences. Identifies clinical terms throughout the text and lists all clinical boxes in the table of contents for quick reference. Helps students understand the links between chapter concepts with concept mapping animations on Student ConsultTM – an outstanding supplement to in-class instruction.

The understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) has advanced considerably in the last few years. Much has been learned about the natural history, the relative lack of significance of microalbuminuria in reflecting underlying pathological change, questionable effects of ACEs and ARBs on the progression of nephropathy, the emergence of new biomarkers such as Cystatin and the role of cytokines, inflammatory molecules and adhesion molecules. Podocytes, the cells with limited ability to replenish and to repair, play a pivotal role in glomerular filtration. In recent years these cells have become the focus for research on pathogenesis of DN as well as other nephropathies. A recent review from the NIH has identified new insights into the pathophysiology, the genetics and the role of the podocytes and some of the important new metabolic pathways such as mTOR or autophagy which may be targeting the podocyte. Knowledge is emerging about the role of podocyte as a part of immune system and about the role of growth factors and cytokines in regulation of podocyte functions. Presented in this e-book articles highlight recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of kidney pathology and the role of podocytes in this process.