The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of numerous macromolecules that
can be classified into collagens, elastin, and microfibrillar proteins,
proteoglycans including hyaluronan, and noncollagenous glycoproteins. 
Together they form a complex, three-dimensional network among the cells
of different tissues in an organ-specific manner. In addition to being
necessary structural components, ECM macromolecules exhibit important
functional roles in the control of key cellular events such as adhesion,
migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Any structural
inherited or acquired defect and/or metabolic disturbance in the ECM
macromolecules may cause cellular and tissue alterations that can lead
to the development or progression of disease. Consequently, ECM
macromolecules are important targets for pharmacotherapy. Our interest
has been for a long time to study the role of matrix proteoglycans (PGs)
including hyaluronan in vascular biology. We have particularly focused
on the involvement of a small PG decorin with  atherogenesis and
angiogenesis. Lately we have also examined the role of decorin in
tumourigenesis. Our ultimate goal is to develop decorin-based therapies
to prevent luminal narrowing of arteries, to inhibit pathological
angiogenesis and to restrict tumour growth and metastasis.