Extracellular matrix: key structural and functional meshwork in health and disease.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a multifunctional 3D network of interconnected macromolecules that mediate cellular responses in normal and pathological conditions, including wound healing, tissue homeostasis, skeletal and cardiovascular disease, cancer and drug resistance. The potential of targeting ECM components, such as proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, matrix-degrading enzymes and miRNAs will serve as a novel tool for innovative diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies. With this Special Issue on Extracellular Matrix in Health and Disease, The FEBS Journal offers an updated overview of the functional properties and biological roles of several ECM components, highlighting the significance of ECM targeting in disease management.