Extracellular Matrix News 10.15 April 25, 2019 | |
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TOP STORYArtificial Cell Membrane Binding Thrombin Constructs Drive In Situ Fibrin Hydrogel Formation Scientists report on a self-contained matrix-forming system where the membrane of human mesenchymal stem cells was modified to display a novel thrombin construct, giving rise to spontaneous fibrin hydrogel nucleation and growth at near human plasma concentrations of fibrinogen. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)Dynamic Fibroblast Contractions Attract Remote Macrophages in Fibrillar Collagen Matrix Investigators showed that contracting fibroblasts generate deformation fields in fibrillar collagen matrix that provide far-reaching physical cues for macrophages (MÏ•). Within collagen deformation fields created by fibroblasts or actuated microneedles, MÏ• migrated towards the force source from several hundreds of micrometers away. [Nat Commun] Full Article The authors describe BNTA, a small molecule with ECM modulatory properties. BNTA promoted generation of ECM components in cultured chondrocytes isolated from individuals with osteoarthritis. In human osteoarthritic cartilage explants, BNTA treatment stimulated expression of ECM components while suppressing inflammatory mediators. [Nat Commun] Full Article Researchers identified several miRs that were significantly downregulated in CD133+ cells compared to CD133– cells, including miR-92. Decreased expression of miR-92 in cancer stem cells led to higher expression of target molecules integrin αV and α5 subunits, which in turn enhanced TGF-β activation as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of SMAD2. [Cancer Res] Abstract The promotion of Schwann cell-neurite interactions through the use of a nerve ECM-coated nanofiber composite in vitro was demonstrated using a cell culturing platform consisting of either random or aligned electrospun poly(L-lactic acid) nanofibers and decellularized peripheral nerve matrix gel from porcine peripheral nervous tissue. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract Fish Collagen and Hydroxyapatite Reinforced PLGA Fibrous Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration Scientists fabricated a low-immunogenicity fish collagen and bioactive nano-hydroxyapatite enhanced poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanofibrous membrane for guided bone regeneration via electrospinning. The membranes exhibited favorable cytocompatibility with bone mesenchymal stem cells and human gingiva fibroblasts cells. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract Small Molecules Target the Interaction between Tissue Transglutaminase and Fibronectin The authors identified several small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) for the tissue transglutaminase (TG2)/fibronectin (FN) complex. They demonstrated that these analogues blocked TG2/FN interaction and bio-layer interferometry showed that the SMIs bound to TG2. The compounds also potently inhibited cancer cell adhesion to FN and decreased outside-in signaling mediated through the focal adhesion kinase. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract The survival rate and cardiac function after myocardial infarction were significantly impaired in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12-deficient (mmp12−/−) mice compared with those in wild-type mice. In addition, the extent of myocardial fibrosis and the number of myofibroblasts in the infarct area were decreased in mmp12−/− mice. [J Mol Cell Cardiol] Abstract To better understand the potential impact of mutant amino acids on protease function and cancer progression, scientists established a bioinformatics approach to assess the impact of melanoma mutants, among a previously defined set of ECM structural proteins, on the sensitivity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), extensively associated with melanoma. [Lab Invest] Abstract Researchers investigated the role of stabilized hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIF1α) expression via protein phosphatase activity on dissociation of the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex and aberrant ECM expression in lung cancer cells under stimulation by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). [Cancer Sci] Abstract Corneal Bioprinting Utilizing Collagen-Based Bioinks and Primary Human Keratocytes Corneal stromal keratocytes were bioprinted in collagen-based bioinks as 3D biomimetic models and the geometrical outcome as well as the functionality of the bioprinted specimens were evaluated after in vitro culture. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract Subscribe to one of our other 19 science newsletters such as Endothelial Cell News & Dermal Cell News. | |
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REVIEWSDecellularized Extracellular Matrix for Cancer Research The author classifies decellularized ECM (dECM) with respect to its sources and summarizes the preparation and characterization methods for dECM. Additionally, the examples of cancer research using the dECM are introduced. Finally, future perspectives of cancer studies with dECM are described in the conclusions. [Materials] Full Article Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field. | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSMallinckrodt plc celebrated the completion of its expanded operations and manufacturing facility for the investigational StrataGraft® regenerative skin tissue, in Madison, Wis. [Mallinckrodt plc] Press Release ‘Audacious’ Science Ideas Win Huge Funding Boosts after Selection by TED Group The TED organization, whose slick online video presentations have helped thousands of scientists and other thinkers reach huge audiences and potential financial backers, has jumped into the funding business itself. [ScienceInsider] Press Release | |
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POLICY NEWSElsevier and Norway Agree on New Open-Access Deal After unsuccessful negotiations between a coalition of Norwegian organizations and the academic publisher Elsevier culminated in canceled subscriptions earlier this year, the two have successfully established a new nationwide licensing agreement. [The Scientist] Editorial Fearing No-Deal Brexit, European Funder Orders UK Researchers to Transfer Grants The prospect of Brexit, the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) departure from the European Union, has loomed long and large over researchers, but the effects on funding, so far, have been speculative. Now, a European funding agency has made a pre-emptive strike in advance of Brexit, changing a policy that directly impacts grants in the UK. [ScienceInsider] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW Cell Symposia: Hallmarks of Cancer Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESNEW Associate Professor/Professor – Cell & Molecular Biology (University of Illinois at Chicago) Lecturer – Stem Cell Biology/Regenerative Medicine (The University of Manchester) Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering (Karolinska Institutet) Postdoctoral Fellow – Ligand and Integrin Therapeutics (Boston Children’s Hospital) Research Scientist – Therapeutics Discovery Division (MD Anderson Cancer Center) Tenure-Track Lecturer – Molecular Biology (University of Cyprus) Postdoctoral Position – Vascular Tissue Engineering (BioTis) Faculty Position – Department of Bioengineering (University of Pittsburgh) 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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