Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.11 | Mar 21 2013

The Critical Role of ECM Proteins within the Human MSC Niche in Endothelial Differentiation
Scientists found that fetal pre-osteoblast and adult trabecular bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) express similar surface markers as bone marrow MSCs and can differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. However, when cultured in extracellular matrix (ECM) and endothelial differentiation conditions, bone-derived MSCs more readily form tubular structures and uptake acetylated low-density lipoproteins, fulfilling the functional criteria for endothelial cells. [Biomaterials] Abstract

A MicroRNA-30e/Mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein 2 Axis Mediates TGF-β1-Induced Tubular Epithelial Cell Extracellular Matrix Production and Kidney Fibrosis
Investigators found that mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) was induced in kidney tubular epithelial cells after unilateral ureteral obstruction in mice and that mice with ablated UCP2 resisted obstruction-induced kidney fibrosis. [Kidney Int] Full Article

The Downregulation of MicroRNA let-7a Contributes to the Excessive Expression of Type I Collagen in Systemic and Localized Scleroderma
Systemic and localized scleroderma is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen and tissue fibrosis in the skin. Although they have fundamental common characteristics including autoimmunity, little is known about the exact mechanism that mediates the excessive collagen expression in these disorders. The authors evaluated the possibility that microRNAs play some roles in the pathogenesis of fibrosis seen in these diseases. [J Immunol] Abstract

An Extracellular Matrix-Based Mechanism of Rapid Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Response to Candida albicans
Researchers report that recognition of purified fungal pathogen-associated molecular pattern β-glucan by human neutrophils causes rapid homotypic aggregation and neutrophil extracellular trap release by a mechanism that requires fibronectin. [J Immunol] Abstract

Construction and In Vivo Evaluation of a Dual Layered Collagenous Scaffold with a Radial Pore Structure for Repair of the Diaphragm
To mimic the structure of the diaphragm, dual layered collagenous scaffolds were constructed with a radial pore orientation, prepared by inward out freezing, and reinforced by a layer of compressed collagen. Similar scaffolds with a random round pore structure were taken as controls. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

The Proteoglycan Trol Controls the Architecture of the Extracellular Matrix and Balances Proliferation and Differentiation of Blood Progenitors in the Drosophila Lymph Gland
The pattern of basement membranes, reported by Terribly Reduced Optic Lobes (Trol) expression, is spatio-temporally correlated to hematopoiesis. The central, medullary zone which contain undifferentiated hematopoietic progenitors has many, closely spaced membranes. Loss of trol causes a dramatic change of the extracellular matrix into a three-dimensional, spongy mass that fills wide spaces scattered throughout the lymph gland. [Dev Biol] Abstract

The Extracellular Matrix Regulates MaeuCath1a Gene Expression
Researchers investigated the extracellular matrix (ECM) for its regulatory role in MaeuCath1 gene expression. Reverse transcription qPCR using RNA isolated from mammary epithelial cells cultured on ECM showed that ECM regulates MaeuCath1a gene expression in a lactation phase-dependent manner. [Dev Comp Immunol] Abstract

Influence of Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Substratum Topography on Corneal Epithelial Cell Alignment and Migration
Scientists investigated the influence of the combination of exogenous coating of extracellular matrix proteins with substratum topography on cytoskeletal architecture as well as alignment and migration of immortalized corneal epithelial cells. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

ThromboGenics’ JETREA^® Granted EU Approval for Vitreomacular Traction (VMT), Including when Associated with Macular Hole of Diameter Less than or Equal to 400 Microns
ThromboGenics NV announced that the European Commission has approved JETREA^® in the European Union (EU). JETREA^® is approved for the treatment of VMT, including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns. JETREA^® is a selective proteolytic enzyme that cleaves fibronectin, laminin and collagen, three major components of the vitreoretinal interface that play an important role in vitreomacular adhesion. [ThromboGenics NV] Press Release

Cellular Dynamics and Coriell Institute for Medical Research Awarded Multi-Million Dollar Grants from California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to Manufacture and Bank Stem Cell Lines
Cellular Dynamics International (CDI) and Coriell Institute for Medical Research announced receiving two multi-million dollar grant awards from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). CIRM awarded CDI $16 million to create three induced pluripotent stem cell lines for each of 3000 healthy and diseased donors. [Cellular Dynamics International] Press Release

Potomac Photonics Supports BU’s Stem Cell Research with 3D Printed Parts
Digital Manufacturing Leader Potomac Photonics announced that it recently completed precision 3D printed parts for Boston University (BU) to support their research in stem cells. Utilizing a high-resolution 3D printer, Potomac Photonics fabricated precision stencils to pattern seeded stem cells such that cells are grown in a defined arrangement relative to each other. By preparing various stencils, the BU researchers hope to determine how the relative position of stem cells affect their differentiation efficiency and differentiated progeny. [Potomac Photonics] Press Release

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Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)
 
European Medicines Agency (European Union)

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Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

NEW Tissue Engineering Today
June 5, 2013
London, United Kingdom

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