Ets factors are critical mediators of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodellin
g. As the spectrum of Ets-regulated target genes widens, so does their role
in various pathological and physiological processes. Regulation of matrix
degrading proteases by Ets factors in tumor invasion and metastasis is well
established, Emerging evidence suggests that they may also play a role in
the pathology of autoimmune diseases. Newly characterized Ets target genes
such as tenascin-C and collagen type I suggest their role in diseases chara
cterized by aberrant collagen deposition (fibrosis), Ets function is also c
ritical in bone and cartilage development. There is increasing knowledge of
the complex regulatory mechanisms involved in transcription of Ets target
genes. Ets factors may function as activators or as repressors via associat
ion with specific cofactors depending on the promoter context. Signaling pa
thways can modulate the activation status of Ets factors and their transcri
ptional partners, Precise understanding of the role of Ets factors in the c
omplex cellular network governing the expression of ECM proteins and the en
zymes that degrade them will be a focus of future studies.