Live·Open questions in longevity research

Extracellular matrix

Extracellular matrix

The material surrounding cells that transmits and redistributes mechanical loads

Hypotheses on this target 11

Extracellular matrixProtection from degradation. Hypotheses on this target 0Repair. Hypotheses on this target 22Remodelling. Hypotheses on this target 55Composition restoration. Hypotheses on this target 0Crosslink prevention. Hypotheses on this target 0Tissue graft. Hypotheses on this target 11

Repair2

  • Rebuilding skin anchorage can enable tumor initiation by restoring cellular signaling

    Where this hypothesis actsAged human organotypic mosaics containing susceptible SMO-mutant keratinocytes

    What is proposedRestore compliant support and mature basal anchorage

    With whatNot stated in the record

    HowStaged anchoring reconstruction at fixed collagen architecture, with anchoring restored first

    Possible resultPossible mechanical recovery and improved fatigue resistance, with increased invasion by SMO-mutant cells

    2026-09-21

  • Restoring skin matrix makes faster drainage wash away signals needed for recovery

    Where this hypothesis actsAged skin with selective mediator retention following matrix restoration

    What is proposedRestore the matrix while preserving local resolving-mediator exposure

    With whatNot stated in the record

    HowMatrix restoration method is not stated; restoration must be accompanied by preservation of local resolving-mediator exposure

    Possible resultPossible barrier recovery if matrix restoration is accompanied by preserved resolving-mediator exposure

    2026-09-21

Remodelling5

  • Fibronectin shapes and binding-site access may store stress order and amplify skin responses

    Where this hypothesis actsDermal matrix retaining a record of irritation and stretching after measured functions return to youthful ranges

    What is proposedErase the stored sequence of irritation and stretching

    With whatPhysical or surgical intervention

    HowApply a suitably chosen reverse sequence of mechanical and oxidative exposures while keeping the existing matrix intact

    Possible resultPossible stabilization of SPV_3 and prevention of excessive residual deformation under the next load

    2026-09-25

  • Confinement makes replacement tissue sustain injury and impair waste clearance

    Where this hypothesis actsRetained enclosing matrix around a mechanically constrained replacement region

    What is proposedRelieve confinement by adjusting enclosure compliance or geometry

    With whatPhysical or surgical intervention

    HowAdjust enclosing hydrogels or mechanically release the enclosure while verifying unchanged perfusion and solute exchange

    Possible resultPossible reduction in sustained cellular injury and restoration of clearance

    2026-09-20

  • The tissue’s mechanical structure locks the body into poor recovery

    Where this hypothesis actsTissues where persistent stiffness, altered fiber alignment, and abnormal force transmission constrain responsiveness

    What is proposedNormalize extracellular-matrix stiffness and force transmission

    With whatNot stated in the record

    HowNot stated in the record

    Possible resultPossible restoration of multi-organ recovery kinetics and reduction of post-challenge hysteresis

    2026-09-18

  • Scar binding chemistry restricts molecular exchange

    Where this hypothesis actsScar-associated matrix where glycosaminoglycan binding sites trap solutes and restrict exchange

    What is proposedModify matrix binding sites to reduce solute trapping

    With whatNot stated in the record

    HowSelectively modify binding sites while preserving collagen topology, wound strength, hydration and cell viability

    Possible resultPossible restoration of native-solute exchange without weakening the wound

    2026-09-18

  • A self-supporting matrix may determine when senescent cell removal preserves skin strength

    Where this hypothesis actsThe forming fibrous network in a healing skin wound

    What is proposedStrengthen mechanically functional connections between fibers

    With whatNot stated in the record

    HowSelectively strengthen interfiber connections while keeping cellular signals unchanged; the strengthening technique is not stated

    Possible resultExpected earlier formation of a load-bearing network and an earlier safe window for cell removal

    2026-09-26

Tissue graft1

  • Removing senescent cells may renew damage by removing their mechanical protection

    Where this hypothesis actsPrestressed matrix in aged skin after removal of chronically senescent cells

    What is proposedRestore mechanical energy dissipation and load distribution

    With whatPhysical or surgical intervention

    HowPlace inert microgels where cells were removed, reproducing their spatial arrangement and energy-dissipating capacity

    Possible resultPossible prevention of early nuclear deformation, secondary senescence and linked vascular tissue damage

    2026-09-30