Matrikines as mediators of tissue remodelling
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins confer biomechanical properties, maintain cell phenotype and mediate tissue repair (via release of sequestered cytokines and proteases). In contrast to intracellular proteomes, where proteins are monitored and replaced over short time periods, many ECM proteins function for years (decades in humans) without replacement. The longevity of abundant ECM proteins, such as collagen I and elastin, leaves them vulnerable to damage accumulation and their host organs prone to chronic, age-related diseases. However, ECM protein fragmentation can potentially produce peptide cytokines (matrikines) which may exacerbate and/or ameliorate age- and disease-related ECM remodelling. In this review, we discuss ECM composition, function and degradation and highlight examples of endogenous matrikines. We then critically and comprehensively analyse published studies of matrix-derived peptides used as topical skin treatments, before considering the potential for improvements in the discovery and delivery of novel matrix-derived peptides to skin and internal organs. From this, we conclude that while the translational impact of matrix-derived peptide therapeutics is evident, the mechanisms of action of these peptides are poorly defined. Further, well-designed, multimodal studies are required.
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BibTeX
@article{jariwala2026matrikines,
title = {{Matrikines as mediators of tissue remodelling}},
author = {Nathan Jariwala and Matiss Ozols and Mike Bell and Eleanor Bradley and Andrew Gilmore and Laurent Debelle and Michael Sherratt},
journal = {Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1016/j.addr.2022.114240},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-03650393v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Matrikines as mediators of tissue remodelling
AU - Nathan Jariwala
AU - Matiss Ozols
AU - Mike Bell
AU - Eleanor Bradley
AU - Andrew Gilmore
AU - Laurent Debelle
AU - Michael Sherratt
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/15
JO - Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
DO - 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114240
UR - https://hal.science/hal-03650393v1
AB - Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins confer biomechanical properties, maintain cell phenotype and mediate tissue repair (via release of sequestered cytokines and proteases). In contrast to intracellular proteomes, where proteins are monitored and replaced over short time periods, many ECM proteins function for years (decades in humans) without replacement. The longevity of abundant ECM proteins, such as collagen I and elastin, leaves them vulnerable to damage accumulation and their host organs prone to chronic, age-related diseases. However, ECM protein fragmentation can potentially produce peptide cytokines (matrikines) which may exacerbate and/or ameliorate age- and disease-related ECM remodelling. In this review, we discuss ECM composition, function and degradation and highlight examples of endogenous matrikines. We then critically and comprehensively analyse published studies of matrix-derived peptides used as topical skin treatments, before considering the potential for improvements in the discovery and delivery of novel matrix-derived peptides to skin and internal organs. From this, we conclude that while the translational impact of matrix-derived peptide therapeutics is evident, the mechanisms of action of these peptides are poorly defined. Further, well-designed, multimodal studies are required.
SN - 0169-409X
SN - 1872-8294
ER -