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ECMstijfheid

ECMstijfheid, also known as extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, refers to the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, a complex network of molecules that provides structural support and regulates cellular behavior in tissues. The ECM is composed of various components, including proteins, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and polysaccharides, which form a gel-like matrix that fills the space between cells.

The stiffness of the ECM is a critical factor in determining cell behavior, including cell adhesion, proliferation,

ECM stiffness is influenced by various factors, including the composition and organization of the ECM components,

differentiation,
and
migration.
Cells
can
sense
and
respond
to
changes
in
ECM
stiffness
through
mechanosensitive
pathways,
which
involve
the
activation
of
specific
receptors
and
signaling
molecules.
For
example,
integrins,
a
family
of
cell
surface
receptors,
can
transmit
mechanical
signals
from
the
ECM
to
the
cytoskeleton,
leading
to
changes
in
cell
shape,
motility,
and
gene
expression.
as
well
as
the
presence
of
other
cellular
and
extracellular
factors.
In
physiological
conditions,
the
ECM
stiffness
is
finely
tuned
to
support
the
specific
functions
of
different
tissues.
However,
alterations
in
ECM
stiffness
have
been
linked
to
various
pathological
conditions,
such
as
fibrosis,
cancer,
and
cardiovascular
diseases.
Understanding
the
role
of
ECM
stiffness
in
health
and
disease
is
an
active
area
of
research
in
the
fields
of
biomechanics,
cell
biology,
and
tissue
engineering.