[Regulation of cell activity by the extracellular matrix: the concept of matrikines].
Maquart. F X FX; Siméon. A A; Pasco. S S; Monboisse. J C JC
Key Findings
- ECM‑derived peptides, called matrikines, serve as signaling molecules that regulate cell behavior.
- The tripeptide GHK strongly stimulates the synthesis and remodeling of extracellular matrix components.
- The heptapeptide CNYYSNS reduces activation of inflammatory white blood cells and lowers the invasive ability of cancer cells.
Practical Outcomes
- GHK (often used as GHK‑Cu) may help support skin health, wound healing, and overall tissue maintenance, making it a candidate for anti‑aging or performance‑recovery protocols. However, the study is a basic science review and does not provide dosing or safety data, so enthusiasts should treat it as supportive evidence and look for clinical trials before adopting specific regimens.
Summary
The paper explains that tiny pieces of proteins broken off from the body’s support structure (the extracellular matrix) act like signals for cells. One of these pieces, the GHK peptide, tells cells to build and remodel that support structure, which is important for tissue health and repair. Another peptide, CNYYSNS, can calm down certain immune cells and slow cancer spread.
Abstract
The activity of connective tissue cells is modulated by a number of factors present in their environment. In addition to the soluble factors such as hormones, cytokines or growth factors, cells also receive signals from the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules. Moreover, they may degrade the ECM proteins and liberate peptides which may by themselves constitute new signals for the surrounding cells. Therefore, an actual regulation loop exists in connective tissue, constituted by peptides generated by ECM degradation and connective tissue cells. The term of "matrikine" has been proposed to designate such ECM-derived peptides able to regulate cell activity. In this review, we summarize some data obtained in our laboratory with two different matrikines: the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) and the heptapeptide cysteinyl-asparaginyl-tyrosyl-tyrosyl-seryl-asparaginyl-serine (CNYYSNS). GHK is a potent activator of ECM synthesis and remodeling, whereas CNYYSNS is able to inhibit polymorphonuclear leukocytes activation and decrease the invasive capacities of cancer cells.
Study Information
pubmed
1999