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Fibroblasts are central architects of our skin, coordinating tissue growth and ECM production. But how do these cells know when to stop growing and start building the structural framework of the skin? In a recent study, researchers discovered a negative feedback loop between fibroblast proliferation and ECM deposition. Using live imaging and Collagen Hybridizing...

Chronic inflammation can damage previously healthy tissues and organs, leading to a number of ailments including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Activation and deactivation of calcium-importing ion channel TRPV4 modulates inflammation through multiple mechanisms. Indeed, it has been shown that TRPV4 antagonists reduce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while TRPV4 activation shifts macrophages to...

Collagen VI-related dystrophies (COL6-RDs) are a group of genetic muscle disorders impacting both children and adults. These conditions can lead to delayed motor development, progressive muscle weakness, joint contractures, and respiratory complications. In severe cases, COL6-RDs result in the loss of independent mobility and a reliance on ventilatory support. Given the profound impact on...

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent pediatric spine disorder, affecting 3-4% of children worldwide. It develops in the absence of obvious congenital or physiological defects. While some evidence suggests a genetic correlation, the underlying biological causes remain largely unknown. Without a comprehensive understanding of AIS at a biological or physiological level, treatments...

Staining of collagen in multiple organs with Biotin-conjugated Collagen Hybridizing Peptides (B-CHPs). The black and white panels are an extraction of the fluorescent peptide signal, used for quantification of collagen damage.        The universal process of aging involves the dysregulation of a wide spectrum of biological mechanisms. Using mouse models, DeLano et....

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) occurs during prolonged exposure to sunlight and is associated with a variety of negative physiological effects, including skin damage, inflammation, and cancer. Many of these effects are due to the formation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which damage the extracellular matrix and impair cellular functioning. Fibroblasts are the...

Subretinal fibrosis, the formation of disorganized collagen scar tissue underneath the retina, is often associated with neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (nAMD). Current nAMD diagnostic methods rely on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which provides structural imaging, but lacks the sensitivity to distinguish collagen from other subretinal ECM components.  This limitation leaves a gap in evaluating...