Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench

Abstract

Connective tissue consists of cells separated by the extracellular matrix, whose composition and amount vary accordingto age, to functional requirements, and to the presence of pathologic conditions. Within this non-randommacromolecular assembly, collagens, elastin, proteoglycans and structural glycoproteins are mutually interdependentand modifications of one component, by extrinsic (environmental) and/or intrinsic (systemic, genetic, age-related)factors, may have consequences on the tissue as a whole. Since decades, different microscopical techniques have beenapplied mainly for diagnostic purposes and for detailed descriptions of changes occurring in cells and in matrixcomponents. More recently, in order to dissect the molecular complexity of the matrix network, to analyse theinteractions between cells and matrix and to look for modulators of cell phenotype, histomorphologic investigationshave been implemented with proteomic studies that allow to identify possible diagnostic markers, and to betterunderstand patho-mechanisms enabling the design of novel therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the progressivelyexpanding, although incomplete, knowledge on connective tissue biology, sheds new light on the pathogenesis ofdiseases affecting single molecules (i.e. collagenopathies, mucopolysaccharidoses, elastinopathies) and discloses theimportance of matrix components as fundamental regulators of cell phenotype, in relation, for instance, to the agingprocess and/or to cancer development and progression. Few examples will be presented demonstrating the promises ofproteomics as a technique leading to the discovery of new therapies and possibly to the development of individualizedtreatments for a better patient care.