131 3D lung models – 3D extracellular matrix models Figure 1: A schematic representation of lung extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue structure. Lung epithelium is located above a basement membrane, which mainly consists of collagen type IV fibers and laminin. Below the basement membrane, the interstitial matrix is formed by various types of collagen fibers, proteoglycans and elastin. ECM CHANGES IN CHRONIC LUNG DISEASES The vital function of the lung is crucially dependent on maintenance of the homeostatic balance between the cells and the ECM in which these cells reside. While cellular mechanisms underlying the pathology of various (chronic) lung diseases have been thoroughly investigated to date; the pivotal functional impact of the changes observed in ECM during these diseases has recently been recognized. Of importance, the acknowledged heterogeneity of chronic lung diseases is thought to be reflected by changes in the ECM during the disease course. Changes in the composition, 6
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