The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic network of macromolecules that provides structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells. Aging induces both structural and compositional modifications in the ECM, including altered collagen crosslinking, reduced elastin integrity, proteoglycan remodeling, and increased deposition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These changes contribute to tissue stiffening, impaired nutrient diffusion, and altered cell signaling.
Fig. 1 Schematic view of the mechanobiological effects of aging-associated extracellular matrix stiffness. (Selman M and Pardo A, 2021)
CD BioSciences offers advanced analytical platforms for quantifying and characterizing ECM changes associated with aging, enabling our clients to investigate aging mechanisms in basic research while assessing therapeutic efficacy in preclinical studies.
How Do We Analyze Extracellular Matrix Changes in Aging?
Analyzing the effects of aging on the mechanical properties of ECM
The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and functionality, and aging leads to alterations in these properties that contribute to structural and physiological decline.CD BioSciences offers atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation, and tensile testing to measure stiffness, elasticity, and viscoelastic properties of ECM at micro- and nanoscale resolution. For in vivo aging studies, we measure ECM mechanical alterations using non-invasive imaging techniques such as ultrasound elastography and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), enabling the quantitative assessment of tissue stiffness changes associated with age-related degeneration.
Analyzing the effects of aging on the biochemical properties of ECM
Our company provides biochemical analysis services to characterize the molecular composition and post-translational modifications of key extracellular matrix components, including quantification of collagen deposition, assessment of elastin and fibronectin integrity, and evaluation of matrix remodeling dynamics, assisting clients in determining how these biochemical profiles change during aging. We provide advanced glycation end-product (AGE) quantification using fluorescence-based detection of AGE adducts to evaluate glycation-related changes in extracellular matrix proteins. In addition, our experts assist clients in investigating non-protein components of the ECM by using glycomics and lipidomics.
Analyzing the effects of aging on extracellular matrix-cell interactions
During aging, extracellular matrix-cell interactions become disrupted, contributing to stem cell exhaustion, impaired wound healing, and chronic inflammation. We offer live-cell imaging and time-lapse microscopy to visualize cell-ECM interactions. Our experts support the development of 3D culture systems and hydrogels with tunable stiffness to replicate model ECM conditions associated with aging. We also provide integrin-binding assessments and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling analysis to evaluate mechanotransduction changes.
How Do We Analyze Extracellular Matrix Changes in Fibroageing?
Fibroageing refers to the shift of fibroblasts toward a pro-fibrotic, senescent phenotype, leading to excessive ECM deposition and reduced matrix remodeling capacity. Our company provides senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining to detect aged fibroblasts. Our experts use RNA sequencing and qPCR to determine pro-fibrotic gene expression, such as COL1A1, ACTA2, and TGFB1. We offer secretome profiling to quantify matrix remodeling enzymes, cytokines, and growth factors. We further use 3D fibroblast cultures embedded in ECM-mimetic hydrogels to assess collagen deposition rates, crosslinking, and degradation patterns.
With decades of expertise in aging research and advanced ECM characterization technologies, CD BioSciences offers comprehensive solutions to quantify and characterize the extracellular matrix in aging. Our integrated platforms support comprehensive evaluation of ECM mechanics, biochemical composition, and cell-matrix interactions, enabling clients to identify therapeutic targets and advance anti-aging drug development. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
References
- Birch HL. Extracellular Matrix and Ageing. Subcell Biochem, 2018, 90: 169-190.
- Selman M, Pardo A. Fibroageing: An ageing pathological feature driven by dysregulated extracellular matrix-cell mechanobiology. Ageing Res Rev, 2021, 70: 101393.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
