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Reconstructing the ageing extracellular matrix

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the stem-cell niche, and undergoes profound changes during ageing, affecting tissue mechanics and structure. Here, we argue that ECM alterations can be leveraged to engineer biomaterials to investigate age-mediated tissue dysfunction, and to design therapeutic strategies for age-related diseases.

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Fig. 1: Ageing of the stem-cell niche.

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Correspondence to Sharon Gerecht.

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Schnellmann, R., Gerecht, S. Reconstructing the ageing extracellular matrix. Nat Rev Bioeng 1, 458–459 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44222-023-00049-1

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