What Happens When Tissue Integrity is Compromised?
Compromise in tissue integrity can lead to various pathological conditions. For example, a breakdown in the ECM can result in diseases like fibrosis, where excessive ECM deposition leads to tissue stiffness. Similarly, mutations in cytoskeletal proteins can cause conditions such as muscular dystrophy. Disruption of cellular junctions can lead to loss of tissue cohesion and function, as seen in some cancers.