Extracellular Matrix News 7.29 July 28, 2016 | |
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TOP STORYPRG-1 Regulates Synaptic Plasticity via Intracellular PP2A/β1-Integrin Signaling Researchers showed that plasticity-related gene 1 (PRG-1) also affects spine density and synaptic plasticity in a cell-autonomous fashion via protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)/β1-integrin activation. PRG-1 deficiency reduces spine numbers and β1-integrin activation, alters long-term potentiation, and impairs spatial memory. [Dev Cell] Abstract | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)Researchers demonstrated that forced expression of matrix-associated metalloproteinase Adamts1, which they showed is targeted by microRNA-181d (miR-181d) during BMP4-induced adipocytic lineage commitment, markedly impairs adipocyte commitment. [Cell Death Differ] Abstract Investigators developed the kidney-derived extracellular matrix incorporated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds as a cell supporting material for kidney tissue regeneration. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract Improved Scaffold Biocompatibility through Anti-Fibronectin Aptamer Functionalization The authors investigated whether immobilized anti-fibronectin aptamers could promote the attachment and growth of osteoblastic cells. [Acta Biomater] Abstract Researchers examined the influence of novel three-dimensional bioartificial microenvironments on function and maturation of hepatocyte-like cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells and grown within an acellular, liver-derived extracellular matrix scaffold. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract Co-localization of legumain and fibronectin was observed in the extracellular matrix of tumor tissues. Administration of the legumain inhibitor to the xenograft diffuse large B cell lymphoma model suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis and collagen deposition compared with the control. [Sci Rep] Full Article To characterize changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in canine distemper demyelinating leukoencephalitis, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cerebella using azan, picrosirius red and Gomori`s silver stain as well as antibodies directed against aggrecan, type I and IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin and phosphacan showed alterations of the ECM in CDV-infected dogs. [PLoS One] Full Article In diabetic urotensin II receptor (UT) knock-out mice, expression of LC3-II was increased and p62 was reduced in comparison to that of the normal diabetic mice. Fibronectin and collagen IV were down-regulated in diabetic UT knock-out mice when compared to that of the normal diabetic mice. [J Diabetes Investig] Abstract Scientists investigated the expression profile of the extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules in the normal corneal stroma using laser capture microdissection and molecular techniques. [Curr Eye Res] Abstract Acellular bioscaffolds composed of mammalian extracellular matrix were implanted and combined with aggressive and early physical therapy following treatment. Immunolabeling of ultrasound-guided biopsies, and magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging were performed to analyze the presence of stem/progenitor cells and formation of new skeletal muscle. [npj Regen Med] Abstract | Press Release | |
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REVIEWSExtracellular Matrix Scaffolds as a Platform for Kidney Regeneration The authors outline and describe current investigations taking place in the field of cell-on-scaffold seeding technology as it pertains to the restoration of kidney function. [Eur J Pharmacol] Abstract Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field. | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the initiation of a new clinical study, INMARK™, investigating the effect of Ofev® on specific blood biomarkers that may identify greater scarring and loss of lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). [Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release Derma Sciences, Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire BioD, LLC for an immediate transaction value of $21.3 million and a potential total transaction value of an estimated $77.8 million. [Derma Sciences, Inc.] Press Release | |
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POLICY NEWSMajor Review Calls Time on Gaming in UK Research Assessment The UK’s mammoth periodic audit of its research is set for a shake-up that could change the way universities hire academics – and might also encourage scientists to spend more time on public engagement. [Nature News] Editorial Meet Europe’s New Science Advice Brigade Too many cooks spoil the broth, goes the saying. Could too many advisers spoil the advice? On the contrary, say the seven scientists who front the European Commission’s new Scientific Advice Mechanism, and who collectively replaced the single-headed role of chief scientific adviser last year. [ScienceInsider] Editorial Trump vs Clinton: Worlds Apart on Science Science is slowly coming into focus in the US presidential campaign. Although neither Republican Donald Trump nor Democrat Hillary Clinton has emphasized core research issues, the candidates — and their parties — are beginning to flesh out their positions on climate change, education, biomedical research and other topics that involve the scientific community. [Nature News] Editorial Public Is Wary of Using Technologies to Enhance Human Performance, Survey Finds A new poll finds that Americans have serious questions about the use of new technologies to enhance the lives of healthy people. Those with strong religious beliefs are especially troubled by the prospect of such enhancements, seeing them as meddling with nature. [ScienceInsider] Editorial Scientific Literature: Information Overload Recent bibliometrics show that the number of published scientific papers has climbed by 8–9% each year over the past several decades. In the biomedical field alone, more than 1 million papers pour into the PubMed database each year — about two papers per minute. For researchers who are already overwhelmed by bench and field work, grant-writing, publishing and other time-eaters, trying to navigate the growing deluge of data has become a second job. [Nature Careers] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW American Society for Matrix Biology (ASMB) 2016 Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESPostdoctoral Scientist – Liver Research (Foundation for Liver Research) PhD Student – Regenerative Therapies (Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden) Postdoctoral Positions – Regenerative Engineering (The University of Queensland) Faculty Positions – Cell Biology and Physiology (Washington University School of Medicine) Postdoctoral Positions – Vascular Biology and Metabolism (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) Postdoctoral Position – Angiogenesis, Proteases and Extracellular Matrix (GENYO) Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix Genes during Aging (ETH Zurich) Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.
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