Integrin-Mediated Type II TGF-β Receptor Tyrosine Dephosphorylation Controls SMAD-Dependent Profibrotic Signaling Scientists determined that phosphorylation of tyrosines within the serine/threonine kinase type II TGF-β receptor (TβRII) tail was essential for SMAD-dependent fibrotic signaling within cells of the kidney collecting duct. Conversely, the T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase dephosphorylated TβRII tail tyrosine residues, resulting in inhibition of TβR-dependent fibrotic signaling. [J Clin Invest] Full Article C-Terminal Propeptide Is Required for Fibrillin-1 Secretion and Blocks Premature Assembly through Linkage to Domains cbEGF41-43 Using HEK293T cells transiently transfected with GFP-tagged version of fibrillin-1 constructs, researchers show that the C-terminal propeptide is an essential requirement for the secretion of full-length fibrillin-1 from cells. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract Hydrogel Depots for Local Co-Delivery of Osteoinductive Peptides and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)-laden osteogenic growth peptide (OGP)-alginate hydrogels were tested at an ectopic site in a xenograft mouse model. After four weeks, OGP-alginate hydrogels were more degraded and colonized by vascularized connective tissue than the control. hMSCs were able to proliferate, migrate outward the hydrogels, produce endogenous extracellular matrix and mineralize it. [J Control Release] Abstract Conformational Remodeling of the Fibronectin Matrix Selectively Regulates VEGF Signaling Researchers demonstrate that anastellin selectively inhibits microvessel cell signaling in response to VEGF165 but not VEGF121 by preventing the assembly of the VEGF receptor/Neuropilin-1 complex. [J Cell Sci] Abstract Selective Regulation of Cytoskeletal Tension and Cell-Matrix Adhesion by RhoA and Src Scientists investigated the relationship between the cytoskeletal tension and integrin α5β1 adhesion strength to the matrix (i.e. fibronectin) in the context of RhoA-Src crosstalk. [Integr Biol] Abstract Endogenous MMP-9 and Not MMP-2 Promotes Rheumatoid Synovial Fibroblast Survival, Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation Scientists investigated the effect of endogenous matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) on the invasive characteristics of RA synovial fibroblasts. [Rheumatology] Abstract Predicting In Vivo Responses to Biomaterials via Combined In Vitro and In Silico Analysis Principal component analysis and dynamic network analysis revealed a distinct in vitro macrophage response to extracellular matrix materials that corresponded to constructive remodeling and an increased M2 macrophage presence in vivo. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract Decellularized Tracheal Extracellular Matrix Supports Epithelial Migration, Differentiation and Function Scientists examined the use of a decellularized graft in a murine model of tracheal replacement. Decellularized grafts supported complete reepithelialization by eight weeks, and motile cilia were observed. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract Incorporation of Chitosan Microspheres into Collagen-Chitosan Scaffolds for the Controlled Release of Nerve Growth Factor Microsphere-scaffold composite was developed by incorporating chitosan microspheres loaded with nerve growth factor into collagen-chitosan scaffolds with longitudinally oriented microchannels. The morphological characterizations, in vitro release kinetics study, neurite outgrowth assay, and bioactivity assay were evaluated. [PLoS One] Full Article Inhibition of Leptin-Induced Vascular Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Remodeling by Adiponectin Researchers evaluated the leptin-antagonist function of adiponectin and further elucidated the mechanisms through which adiponectin dampens leptin signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells, thus preventing excess ECM production in already established 3D co-culture vessel models. [J Mol Endocrinol] Abstract |