Reconstructing the ageing extracellular matrix

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the stem-cell niche, and undergoes profound changes during ageing, affecting tissue mechanics and structure. Here, we argue that ECM alterations can be leveraged to engineer biomaterials to investigate age-mediated tissue dysfunction, and to design therapeutic strategies for age-related diseases. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the stem-cell niche, and undergoes profound changes during ageing, affecting tissue mechanics and structure. Here, we argue that ECM alterations can be leveraged to engineer biomaterials to investigate age-mediated tissue dysfunction, and to design therapeutic strategies for age-related diseases.