Matrix biology: past, present and future

Matrix biology (the biology of extracellular matrix) is a relatively recent branch of biomedical sciences and comprises a number of subspecialties. Fr om molecular-cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and clinical science of d iseases localised at or affecting the matrix rich tissues (connective tissu es) as bone, cartilage, vessel wall, skin, eye and some others. The rapid e xpansion of all these branches of matrix biology is the combined result of the availability of advanced methods of cell and molecular biology and the increasing awareness of the importance of this field for a number of basic and applied sciences. This introduction is a review for the special issue o f Pathologie Biologie devoted to 'Matrix Biology' and brushes an impression istic landscape of the major advances accomplished over the finishing centu ry and tries to predict some of the most important advances to be expected during the coming century. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Els evier SAS.