Extracellular Matrix News 8.06 February 16, 2017 | |
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TOP STORYResearchers incorporated a mechanochemical free-energy–based approach to elucidate how the two-way feedback loop between cell contractility and matrix fiber realignment and strain stiffening enables the cells to polarize and develop contractile forces to break free from the tumor spheroids and invade into the extracellular matrix. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)Using targeted mutations in mice and high-resolution imaging, investigators showed that impairment of ameloblastin self-assembly causes disorganization of the enamel organic matrix and yields enamel with disordered hydroxyapatite crystallites. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract The authors showed how differential expression of a network of extracellular matrix molecules and their interacting proteins contributes to risk of relapse in distinct latent lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) subtypes. Overexpression of the hyaluronan receptor HMMR in primary LUAD was associated with an inflammatory molecular signature and poor prognosis. [Cancer Res] Abstract | Full Article | Press Release Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 Mediates Myosin-Dependent Collagen Contraction Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a tyrosine kinase collagen adhesion receptor that mediates cell migration through association with non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA). Because DDR1 is implicated in cancer fibrosis, researchers hypothesized that DDR1 interacts with NMIIA to enable collagen compaction by traction forces. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract The authors tested the modulation of cell-cell-adhesion by extracellular pH and NHE1. MV3 tumor spheroids embedded in a collagen matrix unraveled the efficacy of cell-cell contact loosening and 3D emigration into an environment mimicking physiological confinement. [Sci Rep] Full Article Three-Dimensional Collagen Matrix Induces a Mechanosensitive Invasive Epithelial Phenotype Scientists used a 3D epithelial morphogenesis model in which cells were cultured in biochemically and mechanically defined matrices to examine matrix-mediated gene expression and the associated phenotypic response. They found that 3D collagen matrix promoted expression of mesenchymal genes including MT1-MMP, which was required for collagen-stimulated invasive behavior. [Sci Rep] Full Article Investigators showed that chondrocytes strongly bind to cartilage collagens in the form of individual triple helical molecules but very weakly to fibrils formed by the same molecules. They also found that chondrocyte integrins α1β1-, α2β1- and α10β1-integrins and their I-domains have the same characteristics. [Matrix Biol] Abstract Since hydrogen sulfide (H2S) inhibits high glucose-induced matrix protein increment by activating AMPK in renal cells, investigators examined if H2S inhibits high glucose induced expression of NOX4 and matrix protein and if H2S nitric oxide pathways are integrated. High glucose increased NOX4 expression and activity at 24 hours in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells that was inhibited by sodium hydrosulfide, a source of H2S. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article Human Th17 Migration in Three-Dimensional Collagen Involves p38 MAPK Scientists examined the implication of p38 MAPK in regulating the migration of human Th17 cells through collagen. Using specific inhibitor and siRNA, they found that p38 is necessary for human Th17 migration in three-dimensional (3D) collagen and that 3D collagen increases p38 phosphorylation. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract Researchers investigated the mechanism underlying the effect of simvastatin on intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). The viability of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells was determined by the methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay. The apoptosis of NP cells was measured by flow cytometric analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and western blotting of relevant apoptotic proteins. [Inflammation] Abstract | |
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REVIEWSA Review of Gradient Stiffness Hydrogels Used in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Given the importance of gradient stiffness hydrogels in basic research and biomedical applications, there is a clear need for systems for gradient stiffness hydrogel design strategies and their applications. The authors highlight past work in the field of gradient stiffness hydrogels fabrication methods, mechanical property test, applications as well as areas for future study. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field. | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSSpinalCyte, LLC Announces New U.S. Patent SpinalCyte, LLC announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 9,545,432, “Methods and Compositions for Repair of Cartilage Using an In Vivo Bioreactor.” [SpinalCyte, LLC] Press Release Chi-Med Initiates First-in-Human Clinical Trial of Novel FGFR Inhibitor HMPL-453 in Australia Hutchison China MediTech Limited (Chi-Med) announces that it has initiated the first-in-human Phase I clinical trial of HMPL-453 in Australia. HMPL-453 is a novel, highly selective and potent small molecule inhibitor targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor. [Hutchison China MediTech Limited] Press Release Verastem, Inc. announced dosing of the first patient in a new clinical trial evaluating avelumab, an investigational fully human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, in combination with Verastem’s defactinib, an investigational focal adhesion kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. [Verastem, Inc.] Press Release | |
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POLICY NEWSBroad Institute Wins Bitter Battle over CRISPR Patents A panel of US Patent and Trademark Office judges have determined that a series of patents granted for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard will stand. [Nature News] Editorial Henrietta Lacks’s Family Wants Compensation for Her Cells The eldest son of Henrietta Lacks wants compensation from Johns Hopkins University and possibly others for the unauthorized use of her cells in research that led to decades of medical advances. The cells taken from the 31-year-old after she died of an aggressive form of cervical cancer in 1951 were the first to live outside the body in a glass tube. [The Washington Post] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW Metabolism in Time and Space: Emerging Links to Cellular and Developmental Programs Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESNEW Assistant/Associate Professor – Various Projects (University of Missouri Biomedical Sciences) Professor – Molecular Biochemistry (University of Oulu) Faculty Positions – Medical Research (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile) PhD Studentship – Light-Addressable Neuroactive Matrices (KU Leuven) Postdoctoral Scientist – Various Projects (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) Tenure Track Faculty Position – Kidney Bench Research (University of Pennsylvania) 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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Home Extracellular Matrix News Volume 8.06 | Feb 16 2017