Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious patients.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
- A++2023
Functional organization of extracellular hyaluronan, CD44 and RHAMM
Mary K Cowman, Eva A TurleyIn this comprehensive review, the authors explore how hyaluronan (HA) and its receptors, CD44 and RHAMM, organize the space immediately surrounding cells. In healthy tissue, these components maintain a stable environmen…
hyaluronanCD44extracellular matrixRHAMMpericellular matrix - A2020
Feeling Things Out: Bidirectional Signaling of the Cell–ECM Interface, Implications in the Mechanobiology of Cell Spreading, Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation
Andrew E Miller, Ping Hu, Thomas H BarkerThis narrative review describes how cells and their surrounding environment, the extracellular matrix (ECM), constantly communicate with each other. This communication involves physical cues from the ECM being translate…
extracellular matrixstiffnesscytoskeletonmechanotransduction - A++2020
The Structure and Role of Intramuscular Connective Tissue in Muscle Function
Peter P PurslowThis narrative review analyzes the microscopic structure of intramuscular connective tissue—endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium—and its role in muscle function. Rather than acting simply as a container, this connectiv…
extracellular matrixMusclecollagenmechanotransductionperimysium - B2019
Extracellular matrix composition of connective tissues: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Turney J McKee, George Perlman, Martin Morris, Svetlana V KomarovaThis systematic review and meta-analysis compiled data to quantify the protein composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in various human connective tissues. Researchers analyzed data from studies on bone, adipose t…
extracellular matrixmatrix remodelingcollagen content - A+2019
Collagen changes in pelvic support tissues in women with pelvic organ prolapse
Runqi Gong, Zhijun XiaThis narrative review summarizes research on how changes in collagen are linked to pelvic organ prolapse in women. Collagen is a critical component of the pelvic floor, providing essential supportive functions. Studies…
extracellular matrixcollagenBiomechanicsPelvic organ prolapseSignaling pathways - A++2019
The architecture and spatial organization of the living human body as revealed by intratissular endoscopy - An osteopathic perspective
Colin ArmstrongThis review article discusses research by Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau, who used endoscopy to visualize the internal architecture of the living body. His work reveals a continuous, body-wide multifibrillar network that t…
fasciaextracellular matrixosteopathyCollagen fibersFibrillar network - C2018
Sweet, yet underappreciated: Proteoglycans and extracellular matrix remodeling in heart disease
Geir Christensen, Kate M Heruma, Ida G LundeIn this review article, the authors discuss the role of proteoglycans in heart disease. Remodeling of the heart's extracellular matrix, which is common in several cardiac diseases, can lead to fibrosis and impaired func…
extracellular matrixHeart failureheartProteoglycansSyndecan - A+++2018
Effects of Plantar Vibration on Bone and Deep Fascia in a Rat Hindlimb Unloading Model of Disuse
Yunfei Huang, Yubo Fan, Michele Salanova, Xiao Yang, Lianwen Sun, Dieter BlottnerThis animal study investigated how disuse affects deep fascia and bone, and whether vibration could counteract these effects. Researchers used a rat model where hindlimbs were unloaded for 21 days to simulate disuse, wh…
extracellular matrixcollagenBonedeep fasciaBiomechanics - 1A+2018
The Fasciacytes- A New Cell Devoted To Fascial Gliding Regulation
Carla Stecco, Caterina Fede, Veronica Macchi, Andrea Porzionato, Lucia Petrelli, Carlo Biz, Robert Stern, Raffaele De C…Researchers have identified a new type of cell within fascia, which they have named "fasciacytes." This study presents evidence that these specialized cells are responsible for producing hyaluronan, a key component of t…
hyaluronanfasciafasciacytesextracellular matrix - B2017
Complex mechanics of the heterogeneous extracellular matrix in cancer
Andrea Malandrino, Michael Mak, Roger D Kammd, Emad MoeendarbaryThis narrative review explores the complex role of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the non-cellular network that provides structural support to tissues. In solid tumors, the ECM becomes highly altered and complex, as ca…
extracellular matrixCell signalingtumor microenvironment - C2017
Multimerin-2 is a ligand for group 14 family C-type lectins CLEC14A, CD93 and CD248 spanning the endothelial pericyte interface
KA Khan, AJ Naylor, A Khan, PJ Noy, M Mambretti, P Lodhia, J Athwal, A Korzystka, CD Buckley, BE Willcox, F Mohammed ,…Researchers investigated how certain proteins interact to form new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis that is crucial for tumor growth. This study, which included lab experiments and mouse models, identified a…
fasciaextracellular matrixendotheliumC-type lectintumor angiogenesis - B2016
Connecting (T)issues: How Research in Fascia Biology Can Impact Integrative Oncology
Helene M Langevin, Patricia Keely, Jun Mao, Lisa M Hodge, Robert Schleip, Gary Deng, Boris Hinz, Melody A Swartz, Bever…Many cancer patients use complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture, and yoga to improve their quality of life. This review article suggests these treatments may have further benefits by affecting the body's conn…
fasciaextracellular matrixcancerConnective tissue - C2016
Protein—glycosaminoglycan interaction networks: Focus on heparan sulfate
Sylvie Ricard-BlumThis research overview describes a project focused on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), complex sugars found on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. Specifically, it investigates heparan sulfate and how it interac…
extracellular matrixHeparan sulfateInteraction networksInteraction databasesSurface plasmon resonance - B2015
Platelet hyaluronidase-2: an enzyme that translocates to the surface upon activation to function in extracellular matrix degradation
Sami Albeiroti, Katayoun Ayasoufi, [...], Carol A de la MottePlatelets play a key role in responding to tissue injury. This study explores how they interact with hyaluronan, a major component of the extracellular matrix that is involved in inflammation. Researchers demonstrated t…
hyaluronanextracellular matrixDegradationhyaluronidas-2HYAL2 - A2015
Modes of cancer cell invasion and the role of the microenvironment
Andrew G Clark, Danijela Matic VignjevicFor cancer to spread, or metastasize, tumor cells must first invade the surrounding connective tissue (stroma). This review article describes how cancer cells can move in different ways—either as single cells or in coll…
fasciaextracellular matrixcancertumor invasionmicroenvironment - B2015
The extracellular matrix: Tools and insights for the “omics” era
A Nabaa, K R Clauser, H Dingd, C A Whittaker, S A Carrc, R O HynesaThis narrative review discusses the extracellular matrix (ECM), the complex network of proteins and molecules that provides structural and chemical support to our cells and tissues. Alterations in the ECM are associated…
extracellular matrixMatrisomeMatrisomeDBECM atlasBioinformatics - A2015
Remodelling the extracellular matrix in development and disease
Caroline Bonnans, Jonathan Chou, Zena WerbThis narrative review describes the extracellular matrix (ECM), a dynamic network present in all body tissues that undergoes constant remodeling. This remodeling process is crucial for regulating cell functions like pro…
fasciaextracellular matrixstiffnessmechanotransductionmatrix remodeling