Extra Cellular Matrix Remodeling: An Adjunctive Target for Spinal Cord Injury and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a protein-and-carbohydrate meshwork that supports a variety of biological structures and processes, from tissue development and elasticity to the preservation of organ structures. This review aims to describe the involvement of ECM components in the remodeling process of spinal cord injury (SCI) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Targeting ECM remodeling as an adjunct therapy may result in better disease outcomes.

• 1
  ECM components demonstrate both regenerative and degenerative potential in the central nervous system.
• 2
  IVDD results from an imbalance in catabolic and anabolic factors, which increases degradative enzymes like matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), A disintegrin, and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTs) and decreases the synthesis of ECM components.
• 3
  Manipulation of the ECM is a promising therapeutic method for recapitulating favorable developmental processes and/or minimizing negative remodeling following injury, either by targeting single ECM components or entire families of ECM molecules.