The Importance of Extracellular Matrix in Skeletal Muscle Development and Function

Skeletal muscle tissue makes up approximately 40% of the total body mass in adult mammals. Contractile muscle fibers building skeletal muscle tissue are coated by an extracellular matrix material (ECM), accounting for 1–10% of the muscle mass. The ECM in skeletal muscle was initially considered as a structure, providing mechanical support for bearing force transmission. Now it is evident that muscle cells adhere to and connect with the ECM, also for signaling, and the ECM provides an appropriate and permissive environment for muscle development and functioning. This chapter summarizes current knowledge on the role of ECM components in skeletal muscle growth and regeneration, which is of great importance for potential therapeutic interventions. It also focuses on the contribution of ECM in the motor function of skeletal muscle as well as on mechanisms mediating muscle ECM remodeling during adaptation to physical activity. The role of the ECM in the metabolic function of skeletal muscle tissue and the ECM disturbances associated with insulin resistance are described. Finally, the attention is paid on potential implications of changes in skeletal muscle ECM assembly and function in health and disease