Advances in ECM-induced peripheral nerve regeneration

Extracellular matrix（ECM） refers to the naturally occurring macromolecular substrate around cells that provides a support structure and an attachment site for cells, and plays an important role in transferring the signals of cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation and gene expression. The major compositions of ECM include collagens（Ⅰ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ）, laminin, fibronectin, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and other nerve factors, and ECM is characterized by its advantages as a nerve repair material. Following is a review of the advances in tissue engineering nerve construction with peripheral nerve-derived ECM.