Potential roles of matricellular proteins in stroke.

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are still serious diseases with high mortalities and morbidities. To improve outcomes of strokes, new therapeutic approaches need to be developed. Matricellular proteins are inducible, multifunctional and non-structural extracellular matrix proteins, which are definitely differentiated from classical ones due to the unusual diversity of functions. There are many matricellular proteins known, most of which may be involved in the pathophysiology and the protective or repairing mechanisms of strokes. This article reviews the available information regarding potential roles of matricellular proteins in stroke, and discusses the potential therapeutic approaches against stroke using matricellular proteins.