Chapter 3 Explosive Extracellular Matrix Research from 1960 to 2000. A Personal Recollection of the Work Pioneered by Rupert Timpl

Abstract

Abstract During the period of my active research, I witnessed the introduction of new techniques and interdisciplinary approaches, which resulted in completely novel views of the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which at this time was still called connective tissue. I memorize my shock and surprise when about 15 years ago my friend and colleague Darwin Prockop smuggled a few much older slides into an at this time modern research seminar, which I presented at his department. These slides originated from the time, when Darwin Prockop and I first met at one of the first ECM meeting in St. Margherita in 1966. The difference between the new research and the historical slides dramatically demonstrated the high pace of research. With these thoughts in mind I decided to write a chapter on the history of ECM research, which I experienced as a member of a group of scientists located in many different countries and disciplines, who all intensely collaborated with a pioneer in the field, Rupert Timpl. My personal review deals with the turn from a purely mechanical role of the connective tissue to the understanding of the importance of the ECM in cell differentiation and development. The discovery and characterization of a large repertoire of complex multifunctional proteins involved as major players in these events is described. Rupert passed away in October 2003 and this chapter is also a memorial to him.