Extracellular Matrix News Volume 5.19 | May 22 2014

Combined Use of Chondroitinase-ABC, TGF-β1, and Collagen Crosslinking Agent Lysyl Oxidase to Engineer Functional Neotissues for Fibrocartilage Repair
Investigators identifies a treatment regimen (including the biophysical agent chondroitinase-ABC, the biochemical agent TGF-β1, and the collagen crosslinking agent lysyl oxidase) to prime highly cellularized, scaffold-free neofibrocartilage implants, effecting continued improvement in vivo. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 Restrains Helicobacter pylori-Induced Gastric Inflammation and Premalignant Lesions in the Stomach by Altering Macrophage Polarization
Loss of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) increases mucosal inflammation in mouse models of epithelial injury, and researchers have shown that gastric inflammation is increased in H. pylori-infected MMP7^-/- C57BL/6 mice. [Oncogene] Abstract

Fibrin Binds to Collagen and Provides a Bridge for αVβ3 Integrin-Dependent Contraction of Collagen Gels
Scientists demonstrate that fibrinogen/fibrin specifically bound to native collagen type I (Col I) and used the Col I fiber network as a base to providing a functional interface matrix that connects cells to the Col I fibers through αVβ3 integrins. [Biochem J] Abstract

An Investigation of Common Cross-Linking Agents on the Stability of Electrospun Collagen Scaffolds
Investigators evaluated the effect of commonly used synthetic and natural crosslinking agents, genipin, glutaraldehyde, N-(3-Dimethyl aminopropyl)-N’-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and EDC with N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide, on electrospun collagen. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Resveratrol Attenuates Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and -2-Regulated Differentiation of HTB94 Chondrosarcoma Cells through the p38 Kinase and JNK Pathways
Researchers found that resveratrol significantly inhibited Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and induced the expression of type II collagen and sex-determining region Y-box-9 and the production of sulfated proteoglycans in HTB94 chondrosarcoma cells. [Oncol Rep] Abstract

Gastric Cancer Cell Adhesion to Laminin Enhances Acquired Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance Mediated by MGr1-Ag/37LRP
Scientists investigated MGr1-Ag/37LRP binding-induced adhesion, and its role in cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance. Initial studies revealed that, after adhesion to the extracellular matrix, the multidrug-resistant gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901/VCR and SGC7901/ADR showed significantly higher mean adhesive cell numbers than non-resistant SGC7901 cells. [Oncol Rep] Abstract

Cell Adhesion Geometry Regulates Non-Random DNA Segregation and Asymmetric Cell Fates in Mouse Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells
To mimic the asymmetric divisions seen in the mouse skeletal stem cell niche, the authors used micropatterns coated with extracellular matrix in asymmetric and symmetric motifs. They showed that the frequency of non-random DNA segregation and transcription factor asymmetry correlates with the shape of the motif and that these events can be uncoupled. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Harnessing Nanotopography and Integrin-Matrix Interactions to Influence Stem Cell Fate
The authors discuss how cell adhesions interact with nanotopography, and they provide insight as to how materials scientists can exploit these interactions to direct stem cell fate and to understand how the behavior of stem cells in their niche can be controlled. [Nat Mater] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field

Orbsen Therapeutics Cell Therapy Selected for Diabetic Wound Clinical Trial Led by NUI Galway and Steno Diabetes Center
Orbsen Therapeutics proprietary stromal cell therapy has been selected to be tested in a EU Framework 7 funded safety trial for the treatment of non-healing, ulcerating wounds in patients with diabetes. [Orbsen Therapeutics] Press Release

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

NEW Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Cell and Extracellular Matrix Biology (Johns Hopkins University)

PhD Studentship – 3D Printing of Hydrogel Scaffolds for 3D Dependent Cell Culture (Technical University of Denmark)

Postdoctoral Fellow – How Breast Cancer Cells Regulate Anchorage-Independent Survival to Overcome Anoikis (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Position – 3D Structured Engineered Tissues (Nano Fiber Matrices B.V.)

PhD Position – Patterned Biomaterial Degradation to Guide Cell Response, Extracellular Matrix Deposition and In Vivo Tissue Regeneration (Universitaetsmedizin Berlin)

Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular RNA Bioinformatics and Biology (University of California, Los Angeles)

Postdoctoral Position – Macromolecule Stabilization (University of Minnesota)

Postdoctoral Position – Therapeutic Advantages of the Combined Use of Scaffold and Cells for Orthopedic Applications (Bone Therapeutics S.A.)

Director of GMP/GLP Quality Operations (University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine)

PhD Position – 3D Structured Self-Assembled Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering (TU Delft)

Research Technologist – hPSC (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – PSC Biology and Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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