Cardiac extracellular matrix (with associated cardiac cells) (ECM (for extracellular matrix); cardiac cells are not abbreviated as a target)

The cardiac extracellular matrix is a dynamic, 3-dimensional network of macromolecules (e.g., collagens, laminins, fibronectin, proteoglycans) that provides both structural and regulatory support to cardiac cells. This system governs tissue architecture, cell adhesion, migration, and survival, and actively participates in tissue regeneration, fibrosis, and pathological remodeling during cardiovascular disease. Cardiac cells—primarily cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells—produce and respond to signals from the extracellular matrix through receptors such as integrins, resulting in feedback loops that shape heart health and disease processes[1][2][3]. The ECM and its interactions with cardiac cells are crucial in development, homeostasis, and adaptation to injury, but are not a singular molecular target.

Other names

Heart matrixcardiac ECMmyocardial ECMheart cells (cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, etc.)

Inhibition of ECM remodeling (e.g., reduction of fibrosis); Modulation of cell-matrix interactions (e.g., via integrins, MMPs)