Connective Tissue Structure and Function in Normal, Pathological and Aging Skin

Dear Colleagues,

Cutaneous connective tissue is a combination of all, histogenetically distinct, skin cells and tissues, resulting in a functional organ. The main cellular components of connective tissue are fibroblasts. They occur, apart from the skin, in almost every tissue and organ of the human body. These cells have the ability to synthesize and organize the extracellular matrix (ECM) and communicate with stem cells, mitotic and postmitotic cells, and tissues of various origins. Their unique properties and functioning mechanisms make them a central component of the skin, playing a major role in maintaining skin homeostasis. The structure of the dermis is dominated by fibrous connective tissue, which contains receptors, sweat glands, blood vessels, nerves, and hair roots. It is divided into two layers: the papillary layer, with a lot of protrusions connected to the epidermis; and the reticular layer, which is adjacent to the subcutaneous tissue. The papillary layer area contains type I and type III collagen fibers interwoven with elastic fibers. The reticular layer with stretchable, parallel strands of collagen fibers and elastin fibers is located in deeper layers. The main skin protein is collagen. The glycation of collagen and extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the aging process, but also in many diseases.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect information regarding skin structure and functioning, the fibroblast’s role in skin aging and in different pathological conditions, and extracellular matrix functioning in normal and pathological conditions and in aging. This collection of articles will include the most relevant work in the area of connective tissue functioning in normal and pathological conditions, using the latest methodologies applied. Therefore, this Special Issue is open for comprehensive review and original research papers and addresses the following topics:

• Skin structure and activity;
• Connective tissue structure and functioning in normal and pathological conditions;
• Extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and functioning;
• Fibroblasts as a main skin cell type;
• Age-related changes in connective tissue;
• Collagen and other skin proteins;
• Connective tissue protein glycation.

Dr. Agata Jabłońska-Trypuć
Guest Editor

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• connective tissue
• skin
• fibroblasts
• collagen
• ECM
• aging