Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious readers.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Researchers behind the studies- A2014
A decorin-deficient matrix affects skin chondroitin/dermatan sulfate levels and keratinocyte function
Katerina Nikolovska, Jana K Renke, Oliver Jungmann, Kay Grobe, Renato V Iozzo, Alina D Zamfir, Daniela G SeidlerThis study in mice investigated how the absence of a proteoglycan called decorin affects skin structure and function. Researchers found that mice lacking decorin had an altered composition of other sugar molecules (chon…
extracellular matrixDecorinSLRPDermatan sulfateFibroblast growth factor - A2012
A RHAMM Mimetic Peptide Blocks Hyaluronan Signaling and Reduces Inflammation and Fibrogenesis in Excisional Skin Wounds
Cornelia Tolg, Sara R Hamilton, Ewa Zalinska, Lori McCulloch, Ripal Amin, Natalia Akentieva, Francoise Winnik, Rashmin…In this animal study, researchers investigated how to reduce scarring during skin wound healing. They developed a peptide, P15-1, designed to interfere with signals from fragmented hyaluronan, a molecule involved in inf…
hyaluronaninflammationfasciaextracellular matrixfibrosis - A2014
Biotensegrity of the extracellular matrix: physiology, dynamic mechanical balance, and implications in oncology and mechanotherapy
Irene Tadeo, Ana P Berbegall, Luis M Escudero,Tomás Álvaro, Rosa NogueraThis 2014 review article explores the concept of biotensegrity, a principle where cells and tissues maintain structural integrity through a balance of tension and compression. This dynamic mechanical balance involves th…
fasciaextracellular matrixcancerbiotensegritymechanotherapy - 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 - 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 - 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 - A2012
CTGF is a central mediator of tissue remodeling and fibrosis and its inhibition can reverse the process of fibrosis
Kenneth E Lipson, Carol Wong, Yuchin Teng, Suzanne SpongFibrosis is a process of excessive connective tissue formation, leading to scarring and stiffness in organs. A protein called Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) plays a central role in driving this process. This res…
extracellular matrixfibrosisfascia CTGFtissue remodeling - 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 - 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 - A2011
ExtracellularMatrix Degradation and Remodeling in Development and Disease
Pengfei Lu, Ken Takai, Valerie M Weaver, Zena WerbIn this review, the authors describe the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a dynamic structure that is constantly being remodeled. This process of breakdown and rebuilding is essential for normal bodily functions like tissu…
fasciaextracellular matrixmatrix remodeling - A2013
Fascia Research Congress Evidence from the 100 year perspective of Andrew Taylor Still
Thomas W Findley, Mona ShalwalaThis review paper examines research from the first three International Fascia Research Congresses through the perspective of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine. Over a century ago, Still described…
fasciaextracellular matrixfibroblastOsteopathic medicinefascia anatomy - 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