Fasciae from a Molecular and Biomechanical Perspective
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 24050
Special Issue Editor
Interests: fascial anatomy and histology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
There is growing interest in the fasciae as a source of pain and for their potential involvement in motor coordination and proprioception, suggesting that specific training or physical therapies can modify their microscopic organization. Recently, we demonstrated that fasciae have specific receptors for endocannabinoids, for estrogen-α and relaxin-1, and that under such stimuli they alter the production of collagen types and hyaluronan. It is also known that diabetes can create a glycation of the collagen fibers in the plantar fascia and, as a result, alter the mechanical properties of the fascia. Besides, fasciae could be barriers to the spread of cancer, and their molecular/biochemical alterations could potentially affect the ability of a cancer to metastasize. Additionally, fasciae envelop the internal organs, and they play a key role in organ mobility. In fact, nobody knows if there are different variables at play in athletes and healthy and pathological populations or how the various physical therapies work.
This Special Issue will integrate studies focused on the understanding of the molecular aspects of the fasciae and whether they change in response to specific genetic, chemical, hormonal, and/or mechanical stimulation. Neuroscience studies that evaluate nerve fibers and how they affect brain dynamics are also welcomed.
For this Special Issue, we aim to integrate studies on the following areas:
- Microscopic analysis of the various types of collagen and elastic fibers in fasciae (various types of fasciae and various situations (healthy or pathological));
- Studies about hyaluronan, which is one of the major components of the loose connective tissue inside fasciae;
- Effect of aging on fasciae;
- Studies about fascial innervation and how fascial inputs can affect brain dynamics.
This special issue is focusing on molecular research. Papers focus on clinical research or others may choose our Joint Special Issue in Life (ISSN 2075-1729, IF 2.991).
Prof. Dr. Carla Stecco
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- fascia
- connective tissue
- hyaluronan
- myofascial pain
