Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is unique to each tissue and capable of guiding cell differentiation, migration, morphology, and function. The ECM proteome of different developmental stages has not been systematically studied in the human pancreas. In this study, we apply mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics strategies using N,N-dimethyl leucine isobaric tags to delineate proteome-wide and ECM-specific alterations in four age groups: fetal (18-20 weeks gestation), juvenile (5-16 years old), young adults (21-29 years old) and older adults (50-61 years old). We identify 3,523 proteins including 185 ECM proteins and quantify 117 of them. We detect previously unknown proteome and matrisome features during pancreas development and maturation. We also visualize specific ECM proteins of interest using immunofluorescent staining and investigate changes in ECM localization within islet or acinar compartments. This comprehensive proteomics analysis contributes to an improved understanding of the critical roles that ECM plays throughout human pancreas development and maturation.