AGING AND MATRIX BIOLOGY

This introduction to a theme issue of Pathologie Biologie on the extra cellular matrix starts with a brief overview of the advances made over the last few years and of the increasing specialization they have res ulted in. A review is then presented of cell-matrix interactions, with emphasis on those mediated by the elastin-laminin receptor during phy siologic processes and during aging and age-related diseases. The acti vated human lymphocyte expressing the elastin-laminin receptor is used as an example. When exposed-to low levels of elastin peptides (K-elas tin, 75 kappa D, 1-10 mu g/ml, i.e., 1.4 to 14.10(-8)M), this receptor mediates increases in cell growth and in the production of serine-ela stase. Levels of about 100 mu g/ml are associated with cell death due to necrosis and to apoptosis. This example illustrates the key role pl ayed by epigenetic phenomena in aging of cells and tissues.