ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in regenerative medicine. Regenerative strategies mainly focus on stem cell-based or tissue engineering applications for remodelling and regeneration of defective cells, tissues, and organs. The heart is a vital and delicate organ of our body that requires sophisticated tissue architecture for normal functioning. The excitation-contraction, the cycle of the heart, developed a physical force at the cellular level of the myocardial structure. Overall, this process is regulated by the delicate organisation of the cardiac extracellular matrix. A major part of the brain is occupied by ECM, which contains collagens, fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, and perlecan especially in amyloid deposits of the brain. Pulmonary ECM is a structural complex system of protein molecules, which participate in various biochemical processes. Macroscopic tissue injury and clinical features of inflammatory bowel disease are developed by changes in the ECM.
