In the heart, collagens are the major extracellular matrix (ECM) protein. The fibrillar
collagens of the heart surround and interconnect myocytes and muscle fibers to provide for
muscle fiber and myocyte alignment which imparts mechanical support to the myocardium
and governs tissue stiffness. Loss of collagen fibrils and struts are said to lead to myocyte
slippage, ventricular dilation, and progressive contractile dysfunction. Failed human hearts
examined either at autopsy or explantation invariably exhibit alterations of the ECM primarily …