Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.43 | Nov 1 2012

EGFR/JIP-4/JNK2 Signaling Attenuates Cetuximab-Mediated Radiosensitization of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Researchers observed great similarity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and radiation survival in Cetuximab-treated squamous cell carcinomas cells grown in a more physiological three-dimensional extracellular matrix and as tumor xenografts in contrast to conventional monolayer cell cultures. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Prediction of Equibiaxial Loading Stress in Collagen-Based Extracellular Matrix Using a Three-Dimensional Unit Cell Model
The authors previously described a cellular solid model to predict fibril microstructure-mechanical relationships of reconstituted collagen matrices due to unidirectional loads. The model consisted of representative volume elements made up of an interconnected network of flexible struts. In this study, they extended this work by adapting the model to account for microstructural anisotropy of the collagen fibrils, and a biaxial loading environment. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Increased Expression of Intranuclear Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in Atrophic Renal Tubules Is Associated with Renal Fibrosis
Interstitial fibrosis correlated with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression in the atrophic tubular nuclei. The results of this study indicate that renal fibrosis is associated with a decline of MMP-9 expression in the cytoplasm of normal tubular cells and increased expression of MMP-9 in the nuclei of tubular atrophic renal tubules. [PLoS One] Full Article

Investigating Cell-ECM Contact Changes in Response to Hypoosmotic Stimulation of Hepatocytes In Vivo with DW-RICM
Researchers used two wavelength reflection interference contrast microscopy (DW-RICM) to directly observe the dynamics of cell-substrate contacts, mimicking cell-cellular matrix (ECM) interactions, in response to a controlled and well-defined volume change induced by hypoosmotic stimulation. This is the first time a non-invasive, label-free method was used to uncover a volume change related response of in vitro hepatocytes in real time. [PLoS One] Full Article

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in Ex Vivo Trypanosoma cruzi Infection of Human Placental Chorionic Villi
Researchers analyzed the participation of matrix metalloproteases in the extracellular matrix remodeling during Trypanosoma cruzi ex vivo infection of human placental chorionic villi explants. [Placenta] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Rigidity Controls Podosome Induction in Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Liver fibrosis induces a dedifferentiation of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) leading notably to a loss of fenestrae. Since liver fibrosis is associated with increased matrix stiffness, and since substrate stiffness is known to regulate the actin cytoskeleton, the authors investigated the impact of matrix rigidity on podosome structures in LSECs. [Biol Cell] Abstract

Relaxin 2 Is Functional at the Ocular Surface and Promotes Corneal Wound Healing
Researchers aimed to determine if the insulin-like peptide hormone relaxin 2 (RLN2) is expressed at the ocular surface and tears and if RLN2 influences wound healing at the ocular surface, which is associated with extracellular matrix remodeling. [Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci] Abstract

PDLA/PLLA and PDLA/PCL Nanofibers with a Chitosan-Based Hydrogel in Composite Scaffolds for Tissue Engineered Cartilage
The aim of this study was to create composite three dimensional scaffolds comprised of electrospun poly(D,L-lactide)/poly(L-lactide) (PDLA/PLLA) or poly(D,L-lactide)/polycaprolactone (PDLA/PCL) with salt leached pores and an embedded chitosan hydrogel to determine the potential of these scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Cardiovascular Protection by ApoE and ApoE-HDL Linked to Suppression of ECM Gene Expression and Arterial Stiffening
Arterial stiffening is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but how arteries stay supple is unknown. Researchers showed that apolipoprotein E (apoE) and apoE-containing high-density lipoprotein (apoE-HDL) maintain arterial elasticity by suppressing the expression of extracellular matrix genes. [Cell Rep] Abstract

Regeneration and Bioengineering of Transplantable Abdominal Organs: Current Status and Future Challenges
This review suggests that the success of regenerative medicine to generate transplantable abdominal organs relies heavily on progress in (stem) cell therapies, developmental and extracellular matrix (ECM) biology, and in the thorough understanding of the intricate relationship and interplay between cells and the ECM. [Expert Opin Biol Ther] Abstract

Fell-Muir Lecture: Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CCN2) – A Pernicious and Pleiotropic Player in the Development of Kidney Fibrosis
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) stimulates the development of fibrosis in the kidney in many ways including activating cells to increase extracellular matrix synthesis, inducing cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy, and prolonging survival of activated cells. The relationship between CTGF and the pro-fibrotic factor TGFß is examined and mechanisms by which CTGF promotes signaling by the latter are discussed. [Int J Exp Pathol] Abstract

BioTime Subsidiary OrthoCyte Corporation Announces the Appointment of Francois Binette as Vice President
BioTime, Inc. and its subsidiary OrthoCyte Corporation announced the appointment of Francois Binette, PhD, as OrthoCyte’s Vice President of Research and Business Development. Dr. Binette’s primary focus will be to develop and partner near- and long-term product opportunities in regenerative medicine with an emphasis on orthopedic diseases and injuries. [BioTime, Inc.] Press Release

Parios Regenerative Sciences, Inc. Licenses Exclusive Rights to Organic Nanotechnology for Skin Repair
Parios Regenerative Sciences, Inc. has entered into a comprehensive license agreement with Brown University, licensing exclusive rights to a proprietary organic nanotechnology for use in dermatological applications. The nanotechnology, Oderm™, has clinical relevance in cosmetic skin rejuvenation, dermatological applications, and advanced wound care.
[PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

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

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

NEW Cell Culture World Congress United States
November 12-13, 2012
Washington, United States

NEW Gordon Research Seminar – Matrix Metalloproteinases
May 19-24, 2013
Lucca, Italy

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.

Quality Control Operations Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Product Quality Scientist (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Endothelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Product Manager – Hematopoietic (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Quality Assurance (University of California) 

Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix Proteins (City University of Hong Kong)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering/Stem Cell (Sunybrook Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Position – Drug Delivery, Nanotechnology, and Biomaterials (University of Michigan)

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