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Elastin in arterial ECM: mechanical properties, biochemical degradation, and microstructures

Katherine Zhang (Boston University)

Mechanics of cell sheets, multicellular assemblies and tissues

Mon 10:45 - 12:15

Barus-Holley 141

Elastic fibers are one of the major extracellular matrix (ECM) components that endow blood vessels critical mechanical properties such as flexibility and elasticity. They are essential to accommodate deformations encountered during physiological function of arteries, which undergo repeated cycles of extension and recoil. Changes in the mechanical properties of elastin have important medical and physiological consequences. The mechanical properties of elastin are closely related to its microstructure and the external mechanical and immediate biochemical environment. Here we will present how elastin and collagen interact and contribute to the mechanics of arteries, and changes in the mechanical properties of arteries as a result of enzymatic and non-enzymatic elastin degradation. Recent work on understanding the microstructure and function of elastin ECM will be emphasized.