Collagen-Rich Stroma in Aggressive Colon Tumors Induces Mesenchymal Gene Expression and Tumor Cell Invasion Investigators found that collagen-I dominates the extracellular matrix in aggressive colon cancer. Mimicking the tumor microenvironment by replacing laminin-rich Matrigel with collagen-I was sufficient to induce tumor-specific mesenchymal gene expression, suppression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α and its target genes, and collective tumor cell invasion of patient-derived colon tumor organoids. [Oncogene] Abstract Identification of a Novel Agrin-Dependent Pathway in Cell Signaling and Adhesion within the Erythroid Niche Researchers identified the proteoglycan agrin as a novel regulator of Eph receptor signaling and characterized a novel mechanism controlling cell–cell adhesion and red cell development within the erythroid niche. [Cell Death Differ] Full Article Perlecan Expression Influences the Keratin 15-Positive Cell Population Fate in the Epidermis of Aging Skin Investigators found that perlecan expression decreased during chronological skin aging. Their in vitro studies revealed reduced perlecan transcript levels in aged keratinocytes. [Aging-US] Full Article Vaginal Fibroblastic Cells from Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Produce Matrices with Increased Stiffness and Collagen Content Since altered matrix production influences tissue quality, and myofibroblasts are involved in normal and pathological soft tissue repair processes, researchers evaluated matrix production of cells derived from pre- and post-menopausal pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and non-POP control anterior vaginal wall tissues. [Sci Rep] Full Article Substrate Engagement of Integrins α5β1 and αvβ3 Is Necessary, but Not Sufficient, for High Directional Persistence in Migration on Fibronectin Scientists characterized fibroblast adhesion and migration on the extracellular matrix glycoproteins fibronectin and vitronectin, focusing on the role of α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins. [Sci Rep] Full Article Long Noncoding RNAs Expressed in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells Form Networks with Extracellular Matrix Proteins The authors identified over 3600 long noncoding RNAs that are expressed in human hepatic stellate cell myofibroblasts. Many are regulated by transforming growth factor beta, a major fibrotic signal, and form networks with genes encoding key components of the extracellular matrix, which is the substrate of the fibrotic scar. [Genome Med] Full Article Impact of Elastin Incorporation into Electrochemically Aligned Collagen Fibers on Mechanical Properties and Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype Based on the principles of isoelectric focusing, two different types of elastin (soluble and insoluble) were incorporated into highly oriented electrochemically aligned collagen (ELAC) fibers and the effect of elastin incorporation on the mechanical properties of the ELAC fibers and smooth muscle cell phenotype was investigated. [Biomed Mater] Abstract The Three Dimensional Microstructural Network of Elastin, Collagen and Cells in Achilles Tendons Researchers hypothesized the elastic fibers, as another fibrillar component in the extracellular matrix, have a unique role in mechanical functions and microstructural arrangement in Achilles tendons. Using confocal and second harmonic generation imaging techniques, they examined the three-dimensional microstructure of the collagen, elastin and cells in the mid-portion of hydrated rabbit Achilles tendons. [J Orthop Res] Abstract Collagen Matrix Remodeling in Stented Pulmonary Arteries after Transapical Heart Valve Replacement Scientists investigated the impact of the stent on matrix remodeling of the pulmonary artery in a sheep model, focusing on matrix composition and collagen (re)orientation of the host tissue. [Cells Tissues Organs] Abstract Inhibitors of RGD-Binding Integrins Reduce Development of Pancreatic Fibrosis in Mice Pancreatic tissues of mice expressed mRNAs encoding subunits of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-binding integrins. Cerulein administration increased expression of these integrins, altered pancreatic cell morphology and induced fibrosis. [Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol] Abstract | Press Release |