Demystifying the extracellular matrix and its proteolytic remodeling in the brain: structural and functional insights

Venkat Raghavan Krishnaswamy, Amit Benbenishty, Pablo Blinder, Irit Sagi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

61 Scopus citations

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays diverse roles in several physiological and pathological conditions. In the brain, the ECM is unique both in its composition and in functions. Furthermore, almost all the cells in the central nervous system contribute to different aspects of this intricate structure. Brain ECM, enriched with proteoglycans and other small proteins, aggregate into distinct structures around neurons and oligodendrocytes. These special structures have cardinal functions in the normal functioning of the brain, such as learning, memory, and synapse regulation. In this review, we have compiled the current knowledge about the structure and function of important ECM molecules in the brain and their proteolytic remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases and other enzymes, highlighting the special structures they form. In particular, the proteoglycans in brain ECM, which are essential for several vital functions, are emphasized in detail.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3229-3248
Number of pages20
JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences
Volume76
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2019

Keywords

  • Brain
  • Extracellular matrix
  • Matrix remodeling
  • Nodes of Ranvier
  • Perineuronal nets
  • Proteases
  • Synapses

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