Mechanical Properties and Functions of Elastin: An Overview

Abstract

Human tissues must be elastic, much like other materials that work under continuous loads without losing functionality. The elasticity of tissues is provided by elastin, a unique protein of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammals. Its function is to endow soft tissues with low stiffness, high and fully reversible extensibility, and efficient elastic–energy storage. Depending on the mechanical functions, the amount and distribution of elastin-rich elastic fibers vary between and within tissues and organs. The article presents a concise overview of the mechanical properties of elastin and its role in the elasticity of soft tissues. Both the occurrence of elastin and the relationship between its spatial arrangement and mechanical functions in a given tissue or organ are overviewed. As elastin in tissues occurs only in the form of elastic fibers, the current state of knowledge about their mechanical characteristics, as well as certain aspects of degradation of these fibers and their mechanical performance, is presented. The overview also outlines the latest understanding of the molecular basis of unique physical characteristics of elastin and, in particular, the origin of the driving force of elastic recoil after stretching.

Characterization of the layer, direction and time-dependent mechanical behaviour of the human oesophagus and the effects of formalin preservation

“…This histological distribution may explain the anisotropic behaviour of the tissue, as collagen is associated with withstanding tensile loads [ 80 ] and elastin allows soft tissues to undergo repetitive loading [ 81 ]. The layer-dependent differences also correlate with the histological findings and the role that collagen plays in the mechanical behaviour of soft tissues [ 71 ]. Furthermore, the nonlinear response of the tissue layers is associated with the function of the oesophagus in that compliance it required at low stretches to allow for the passage of the bolus, while stiffening occurs at higher stretches to impede over-dilatation.…”

“…Histological images were then taken, an example of which can be seen in Durcan et al [ 22 , 23 ], and were processed in this study to quantify the percentage collagen and elastin fibre content in each plane and layer. These fibres were chosen due to their influence in the mechanical behaviour of soft tissues [ 71 ].…”

Anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities of three compounds isolated from Psorospernum aurantiacum Engl. : in- silico and in- vitro assays

“…Elastin is the main component of elastic bers; and one of the extracellular matrix proteins, which confers elasticity to connective tissues. Elastase is a serine protease capable of the degradation of all the major connective tissue matrix proteins including elastin, collagen, proteoglycans and keratins (Trębacz and Barzycka, 2023). This degradation is largely due to the activation of the transcription factor Activator protein-1 (AP-1), which controls the expression of the genes coding for Metalloproteinase, elastase and those of the synthesis of procollagens (Heinz, 2020).…”

Bioadhesive Technology Platforms

“…Proteoglycans within the extracellular matrix establish a hydration layer around collagen fibrils, facilitating load transfer and energy dissipation . Elastin, a resilient structural protein, is present in large amounts in highly elastic tissues and has the ability to repetitively deform and recoil under strain . Fluids residing within the extracellular matrix contribute to stress dissipation and load distribution via movement within the porous structure.…”

“…129 Elastin, a resilient structural protein, is present in large amounts in highly elastic tissues and has the ability to repetitively deform and recoil under strain. 130 Fluids residing within the extracellular matrix contribute to stress dissipation and load distribution via movement within the porous structure. The resulting fluid pressurization and viscous drag give rise to flow-dependent poroelastic properties.…”