Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular matrix (ECM) components (ROS/ECM)

The Reactive oxygen species (ROS) pool and extracellular matrix (ECM) components represent a functional therapeutic axis rather than a single protein target. ROS, including superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, are reactive molecules that serve as signaling mediators but can cause significant oxidative damage when in excess (NIH, 2023). The ECM provides the essential physical scaffolding for tissues and regulates cell behavior through biochemical signaling (Nature Scitable, 2014). In pathological conditions like fibrosis and chronic inflammation, elevated ROS levels lead to the oxidative modification and degradation of ECM proteins, which further drives disease progression (PMC6164043). Drugs targeting this axis include antioxidants that scavenge the ROS pool and enzymes that modify ECM components to facilitate tissue remodeling. This target area is critical for developing therapies for conditions characterized by tissue scarring and oxidative stress-induced degeneration.

Other names

ROS poolExtracellular matrixOxidative stress environmentECM proteinsReactive oxygen species

Neutralization of free radicals (scavenging), enzymatic breakdown of structural proteins, and inhibition of oxidative stress-induced signaling pathways.