matrikine M1

Matrikine M1 is a bioactive matrix-derived peptide (matrikine) identified in the intestinal tissue of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) fibrostenosis. Discovered by researchers at University College London and collaborating institutions, M1 is one of several newly identified peptides that appear specifically in the context of intestinal fibrosis. In vitro studies using primary human intestinal myofibroblasts (iMFBs) have demonstrated that M1 induces cell proliferation, migration, and activation, the latter characterized by the upregulation of profibrotic markers such as ACTA2 and COL1A1. Transcriptomic analysis indicates that M1 treatment enriches pathways related to smooth muscle contraction, collagen formation, and proinflammatory mediators. M1 is currently being investigated for its potential role in the pathogenesis of CD-related fibrosis and as a potential biomarker for the progression of intestinal fibrostenosis.