The Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex structure that regulates multiple biological activities and provides both chemical and mechanical stimuli affecting cellular behavior in both health and disease.
Research
Drug Design
Controlling the enzymatic activity of specific ECM remodeling enzymes by antagonist molecules is highly desirable, first, for studying their individual function and mode of action, and second as potential therapeutic agents.
Matrix Biology
Our lab is working to develop and use novel tools to study ECM functional remodeling within the a-cellular tissue microenvironment and ECM niches. We investigate native ECM remodeling in various animal and tissue culture models in order to reveal key molecular mechanisms within physiological and pathological processes.