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Matrikine Mimicry

Meaning

Matrikine mimicry is a biochemical strategy involving the use of exogenous compounds, typically synthetic peptides, designed to imitate the specific signaling function of endogenous matrikines. Matrikines are short, biologically active peptides derived from the proteolytic cleavage of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen and elastin, that act as local signaling molecules to regulate cellular behavior. The goal of mimicry is to therapeutically or cosmetically activate dermal repair and remodeling pathways without relying on the natural, often diminished, breakdown of the aging ECM.