Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.41 | Oct 18 2012

Smart Design of Stable Extracellular Matrix Mimetic Hydrogel: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation for Tissue Engineering
A novel chemistry is presented to develop a resilient hydrazone bond that is stable and non-reversible under physiological conditions. A novel crosslinking reaction is used to tailor a hyaluronan hydrogel, which delivered exceptional hydrolytic stability, mechanical properties, low swelling, and controlled enzymatic degradation. The in vivo evaluation of this hydrogel revealed neo-bone with highly ordered collagen matrix mimicking natural bone regeneration. [Adv Funct Mater] Abstract

A Functional Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in Stem/Progenitor Cell Migration and Their Recruitment into Atherosclerotic Lesions
The authors investigated whether matrix metalloproteinase-8 played a role in stem/progenitor cell migration and their recruitment into atheromas. [Circ Res] Abstract

Calcium Phosphate Phases Integrated in Silica/Collagen Nanocomposite Xerogels Enhance the Bioactivity and Ultimately Manipulate the Osteoblast/Osteoclast Ratio in a Human Co-Culture Model
Scientists demonstrated the incorporation of different calcium phosphate phases in silica/collagen-based gels to enhance the bioactivity of the samples. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Control of 3D Substrate Stiffness to Manipulate Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate toward Neuronal or Glial Lineages
Researchers investigated the change of matrix stiffness on the influence of neurogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. They synthesized three dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds by type I collagen and hyaluronic acid. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Overexpression of HTRA1 Leads to Down-Regulation of Fibronectin and Functional Changes in RF/6A Cells and HUVECs
In vitro studies were performed to investigate the effect of high-temperature requirement serine protease (HTRA1) on the regulation of fibronectin, laminin, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet derived growth factor receptor and matrix metalloparoteinase 2 and the role of HTRA1 in choroid-retina endothelial (RF/6A) and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Effective Delivery of Stem Cells Using an Extracellular Matrix Patch Results in Increased Cell Survival and Proliferation and Reduced Scarring in Skin Wound Healing
The authors demonstrated the effectiveness of a stem cell therapy for improving wound healing in the skin and reducing scarring by introducing stem cells using a natural patch material. Adipose-derived stromal cells were introduced to excisional wounds created in mice using a non-immunogenic extracellular matrix patch material derived from porcine small intestine submucosa. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Hybrid Scaffolds Built from PET and Collagen as a Model for Vascular Graft Architecture
A hybrid material with excellent mechanical and biological properties is produced by electrospinning a co-solution of PET and collagen. Fibers of different compositions and morphologies are intermingled within the same membrane, resulting in a heterogeneous scaffold. [Macromol Biosci] Abstract

Unique Features of Extracellular Matrix in the Mouse Medial Nucleus of Trapezoid Body - Implications for Physiological Functions
Researchers examined the extracellular matrix organization and structural differences in perineuronal nets (PNs) of the mouse medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). The different PN components and their distribution pattern are scrutinized throughout the MNTB. [Neuroscience] Abstract

Hyaluronic Acid-Recombinant Gelatin Gels as a Scaffold for Soft Tissue Regeneration
Investigators aimed to develop novel biodegradable injectable gels which induce soft tissue regeneration, initially resulting in integration and finally replacement of the gel with new autologous tissue. [Eur Cell Mater] Abstract

Overexpressed C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Serves as an Early Compensatory Response to Counteract Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Rats
The authors demonstrated the regulative effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. The continuous changes of CNP, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and type IV collagen expression were determined in the obstructed rat kidneys at three days, one, two, and three months post-UUO respectively. [Mol Bio Rep] Abstract

Synthetic Hydrogel Scaffold Is an Effective Vehicle for Delivery of INFUSE (rhBMP2) to Critical-Sized Calvaria Bone Defects in Rats
Scientists demonstrated that a simple light-mediated, thiol-ene chemistry can be used to create an effective polymer delivery vehicle for recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP2), eliminating the use of xenographic materials and reducing the dose of rhBMP2 required to achieve therapeutic effects. Comprised entirely of synthetic components, this system entraps rhBMP2 within a biocompatible hydrogel scaffold that is degraded by naturally occurring remodeling enzymes, clearing the way for new tissue formation. [J Orthop Res] Abstract

Functional Diversity of Laminins
Scientists elucidated the evolution of laminins, described their molecular complexity, and explored the current knowledge of their diversity and functional aspects, including laminin-mediated signaling via membrane receptors, in vitro cell biology, and involvement in various tissues gained from animal model and human disease studies. [Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol] Abstract

Researcher Andrés García Recognized as Top Biomaterials Scientist
Andrés J. García, a faculty member at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has been named the 2012 recipient of the Clemson Award for Basic Research from the Society for Biomaterials. This national award is given to an outstanding community member who has demonstrated significant contributions to and understanding of the interaction of materials with tissues within a biological environment. [Georgia Institute of Technology] Press Release

New Collaboration between TAP Biosystems and UCL - To Develop Biomimetic 3D Cancer Models for Use in Drug Discovery
TAP Biosystems announced a new collaboration with researchers at University College London (UCL) in the UK to develop solid tumor tissue models using its Real Architecture for 3D Tissue™ cell culture system for use in drug discovery applications. [TAP Biosystems] Press Release

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NEW 8^th Annual World Stem Cell Summit
December 3-5, 2012
West Palm Beach, United States

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.)

Scientific Communications & Publishing Coordinator (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 - Extracellular Matrix Proteoglycans and Enzymes (University of Northern BC)

Postdoctoral Position - Complement System and Extracellular Matrix (Lund University)

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