Extracellular Matrix News Volume 10.37 | Sep 26 2019

TOP STORY

Mediator Condensates Localize Signaling Factors to Key Cell Identity Genes

Scientists present evidence that signaling factors for the WNT, TGF-β, and JAK/STAT pathways used their intrinsically disordered regions to enter and concentrate in Mediator condensates at super-enhancers. [Mol Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Fibulin-4 Exerts a Dual Role in LTBP-4L-Mediated Matrix Assembly and Function

Researchers demonstrated mechanisms in elastogenesis, focusing on the interaction and functional interdependence between fibulin-4 and latent TGF binding protein (LTBP)-4L and its impact on matrix deposition and function. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

ΔN-Tp63 Mediates Wnt/β-Catenin-Induced Inhibition of Differentiation in Basal Stem Cells of Mucociliary Epithelia

In basal cells, Wnt prevented specification of epithelial cell types by activating ΔN-TP63, a master transcription factor, which was necessary and sufficient to mediate the Wnt-induced inhibition of specification and was required to retain basal cells during development. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

NLRP3 Inflammasome Blockade Reduces Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

The expression of different components of the inflammasome as well as their main effectors and inflammation- and ECM remodeling-related genes were analyzed. The impact of blocking NLRP3 using siRNA in lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammation and ECM remodeling signaling pathways was evaluated. [Cell Mol Immunol] Abstract

Tumor-Derived TGF-β Inhibits Mitochondrial Respiration to Suppress IFN-γ Production by Human CD4⁺ T Cells

Smad proteins were detected in the mitochondria of CD4⁺ T cells, where they were phosphorylated upon treatment with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Phosphorylated Smad proteins were also detected in the mitochondria of isolated tumor-associated lymphocytes. [Sci Signal] Full Article

Long Non-Coding RNA Linc00645 Promotes TGF-β-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Regulating miR-205-3p-ZEB1 Axis in Glioma

Linc00645 expression was significantly upregulated in glioblastoma tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of linc00645 suppressed the proliferation, stemness, migration, invasion, and reversed transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced motility of glioma cell lines. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Soluble Signals and Remodeling in a Synthetic Gelatin-Based Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche

A library of methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin hydrogels was used to explore remodeling and crosstalk from mesenchymal stromal cells on the expansion and quiescence of murine hematopoietic stem cells. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Targeting the IL-1β/IL-1Ra Pathways for the Aggregation of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide in an Ex Vivo Organ Culture System of the Intervertebral Disc

The deposition of human islet amyloid polypeptide aggravated the compression-induced intervertebral disc degeneration that promoted nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and ECM degradation via IL-1β/IL-1Ra signaling in an ex vivo rat disc model. [Exp Mol Med] Full Article

Elimination of the Four Extracellular Matrix Molecules Tenascin-C, Tenascin-R, Brevican and Neurocan Alters the Ratio of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses

Investigators analyzed perineuronal nets in a quadruple knockout mouse deficient for the ECM molecules tenascin-C, tenascin-R, neurocan and brevican. While they found an increase in the number of excitatory synaptic molecules in the quadruple knockout cultures, the number of inhibitory synaptic molecules was significantly reduced. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Transient Mitomycin C-Treatment of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts Alters Cell Migration, Cytokine Secretion, and Matrix Accumulation

Using conditioned media from control and Mitomycin C (MMC) treated cells, researchers demonstrated that factors secreted by MMC-treated corneal epithelial cells attenuated collagen deposition by HCFs whereas those secreted by MMC-treated HCFs did not. [Sci Rep] Full Article

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Targeting Metabolic Dysregulation for Fibrosis Therapy

The authors summarize the evidence to date and describe novel opportunities for the discovery and development of drugs for metabolic reprogramming, their associated challenges, and their utility in reducing fibrosis. [Nat Rev Drug Discov] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field.

Mallinckrodt Announces Positive Top-Line Results from Pivotal Phase III Clinical Trial of StrataGraft^® Regenerative Tissue in Patients with Deep Partial-Thickness Thermal Burns

Mallinckrodt plc announced positive top-line results from its pivotal Phase III clinical trial of its investigational StrataGraft^® regenerative tissue. The study, which met both primary endpoints, evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single application of StrataGraft in the treatment of deep partial-thickness thermal burns. Each study participant served as his or her own control. [Mallinckrodt plc] Press Release

Printerprezz and Osseus Partner to Develop Family of 3D Printed Spine Implants

PrinterPrezz, Inc. announced an agreement to work together on new spinal interbody fusion devices with Osseus Fusion Systems. The two companies have been collaborating since late 2018 to develop the next generation Aries series of products, including ALIF, cervical and expandable lumbar fusion cage designs. [PrinterPrezz, Inc.] Press Release

Situation Improves Slightly for U Alaska, Major Changes Ahead

Funding cuts provoke concerns about job losses, canceled research programs, and closed departments. [The Scientist] Editorial

How US Sanctions Are Crippling Science in Iran

After almost a year of sanctions put in place by US President Donald Trump, Iran is experiencing economic recession, a depreciating currency and high inflation. All of this is stretching budgets for equipment, supplies and travel, endangering research projects and sapping morale, say researchers. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Ressearch Conference: Linking Cells, the Cytoskeleton and the Nucleus in Mechanobiology, Aging and Disease
June 7-12, 2020
West Dover, Vermont, United States

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.

NEW PhD Student – Receptor-Independent Signaling (University Hospital of Muenster)

Scientist – Matrix Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Tumor Microenvironment and Proteomics (Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Wound Healing (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Proteoglycans in Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (Drexel University)

Postdoctoral Researchers – Engineering Human Tissues (Columbia University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Molecular Mechanisms of Psychiatric Disorders (McLean Hospital)

Postdoctoral Position – Receptor Biology (Scripps Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Intercellular Signaling Inflammation and Atherosclerosis (University of California, San Francisco)

Research Scientist – Intestinal Injury/Tissue Engineering (Nationwide Children’s Hospital)

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