This book covers advanced and up-to-date analyses of the synthesis, fragmentation, and dysregulation of Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans (SLRPs) in some common matrix-related diseases. These SLRPs act as autonomous triggers of inflammation in conditions such as cancer, cartilage tissue degeneration, renal (kidney) diseases, as well as skin, tendon, musculoskeletal, and craniofacial tissues, responding to stress, injury, and impairment of normal function.
Chapters describe the significance behind the formation of proteolytic molecular fragments of SLRPs and why they alter inflammatory cell-signaling pathways, acting as Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs), that can function as Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) in the early, intermediate, and advanced stages of matrix dysregulation and diseases. It also discusses evidence-based therapeutic approaches useful for identifying molecular fragments as potential biomarkers of matrix degeneration, providing a thorough understanding on the regulatory role of SLRPs in matrix homeostasis and diseases. The book is supplemented with well-illustrated figures, tabulated analysis, and critical review questions for further investigations that identifies gap in current understanding.
The book is relevant for experts in medical sciences specializing in cell, extracellular matrix-based tissue analysis, researchers, as well as students interested in investigating matrix-related changes during the pathological progression of diseases.
Ch 1 The family, structure, and functions of small leucine rich
proteoglycans (SLRPs).-Ch 2 Diseases of the matrix and the role of SLRPs in
inflammatory catabolism.- Ch 3 Regulatory role and significance of class I
SLRPs: Biglycan, Decorin and Asporin.- Ch 4 Regulatory role and significance
of Class II SLRPs: Fibromodulin, Lumican, Osteoadherin, PRELP, and
keratocan.- Ch 5 Regulatory role and significance of Class III SLRPs:
Osteoglycin, Epiphycan and Opticin.- Ch 6 Regulatory role and significance of
Class IV SLRPs: Tsukushi, Chondroadherin and Nyctalopin.- Ch 7 Regulatory
role and significance of Class V SLRPs: Podocan and Podocan-like protein-1.-
Ch 8 Biological basis behind molecular fragmentation of SLRPs as DAMPs.- Ch 9
SLRPs and its therapeutic relevance.- Ch 10: Critical conclusive overview:
SLRPs as DAMPs.
Dr. Polly Lama completed her Ph.D. in molecular matrix degeneration in cartilage diseases from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, and she has worked as a post-doctorate research fellow at McGill University, Canada. Dr. Lama is currently working as a professor of anatomy, quality assurance in charge, and executive coordinator at Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), Sikkim, India. She has published several papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals including Cell Death and Discovery, Nature, Artificial Intelligence on Medical Data, Nature, Bone and Joint Surgery Journal, and the Journal of Anatomy; received many awards for her contribution to research and teaching in her area of expertise. Dr. Lama is a reviewer as well as an editorial member of the Springer Nature BMC Musculoskeletal Diseases, the Experimental Molecular Medicine, the Nature Journal, and Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.
