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.
Functional organization of extracellular hyaluronan, CD44 and RHAMM
In 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…
Feeling Things Out: Bidirectional Signaling of the Cell–ECM Interface, Implications in the Mechanobiology of Cell Spreading, Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation
This 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…
The Structure and Role of Intramuscular Connective Tissue in Muscle Function
This 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 matrix composition of connective tissues: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This 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…
Collagen changes in pelvic support tissues in women with pelvic organ prolapse
This 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…
The architecture and spatial organization of the living human body as revealed by intratissular endoscopy - An osteopathic perspective
This 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…
Sweet, yet underappreciated: Proteoglycans and extracellular matrix remodeling in heart disease
In 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…
Effects of Plantar Vibration on Bone and Deep Fascia in a Rat Hindlimb Unloading Model of Disuse
This 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…
The Fasciacytes- A New Cell Devoted To Fascial Gliding Regulation
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…
Complex mechanics of the heterogeneous extracellular matrix in cancer
This 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…
Multimerin-2 is a ligand for group 14 family C-type lectins CLEC14A, CD93 and CD248 spanning the endothelial pericyte interface
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…
Connecting (T)issues: How Research in Fascia Biology Can Impact Integrative Oncology
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…
Protein—glycosaminoglycan interaction networks: Focus on heparan sulfate
This 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…
Platelet hyaluronidase-2: an enzyme that translocates to the surface upon activation to function in extracellular matrix degradation
Platelets 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…
Modes of cancer cell invasion and the role of the microenvironment
For 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…
The extracellular matrix: Tools and insights for the “omics” era
This 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…
Remodelling the extracellular matrix in development and disease
This 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…