The structure and micromechanics of elastic tissue

Abstract

Elastin is a major component of tissues such as lung and blood vessels, and endows them with the long-range elasticity necessary for their physiological functions. Recent research has revealed the complexity of these elastin structures and drawn attention to the existence of extensive networks of fine elastin fibres in tissues such as articular cartilage and the intervertebral disc. Nonlinear microscopy, allowing the visualization of these structures in living tissues, is informing analysis of their mechanical properties. Elastic fibres are complex in composition and structure containing, in addition to elastin, an array of microfibrillar proteins, principally fibrillin. Raman microspectrometry and X-ray scattering have provided new insights into the mechanisms of elasticity of the individual component proteins at the molecular and fibrillar levels, but more remains to be done in understanding their mechanical interactions in composite matrices. Elastic tissue is one of the most stable components of the extracellular matrix, but impaired mechanical function is associated with ageing and diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Efforts to understand these associations through studying the effects of processes such as calcium and lipid binding and glycation on the mechanical properties of elastin preparations in vitro have produced a confusing picture, and further efforts are required to determine the molecular basis of such effects.

Enhanced Sealing by Hydrophobic Modification of Alaska Pollock‐Derived Gelatin‐Based Surgical Sealants for the Treatment of Pulmonary Air Leaks

“…These results indicate that hm‐ApGltns such as Ste‐ApGltn and Chol‐ApGltn had a higher affinity for fibrillin and especially fibronectin compared with Org‐ApGltn. The isoelectric points of fibronectin and fibrillin are pH 6.1 and 4.8, respectively, thus these ECM proteins are negatively charged at physiological pH. The isoelectric point of ApGltn is pH 9.0, thus ApGltns are positively charged at physiological pH.…”

Biomaterial microarchitecture: a potent regulator of individual cell behavior and multicellular organization

“…These fibrillin microfibrils can be bundled loosely together to impart elastic properties to tissues by themselves or form a scaffold for the formation of mature elastin‐containing fibers . These fibers have a rope‐like elastin core and a fibrillin‐rich outer covering, and these mature composite fibers can be several microns in diameter . Finally, while not necessarily fibrous, proteoglycans are nevertheless important ECM components.…”

Elastin in the Liver

“…However, elastin networks can also be detected in tissues whose primary function is not to provide elasticity and resilience, e.g., articular cartilage and adipose tissue (Green et al, 2014). …”