Extracellular Matrix News 10.44 November 14, 2019 | |
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TOP STORYA novel, variable core-shell electrospinning strategy was employed to generate spatially controlled strain gradients within three-dimensional scaffolds under dynamic compressive loading, enabling local strain-magnitude dependent, multi-phenotypic stem cell differentiation. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract | |
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PUBLICATIONS(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)3D Printing of Chemically Crosslinked Gelatin Hydrogels for Adipose Tissue Engineering Researchers proposed a simple and cost-effective 3D printing strategy of a gelatin-based ink to fabricate scaffolds suitable for adipose tissue engineering. The printed scaffolds successfully promoted primary human preadipocytes adhesion and proliferation, as demonstrated by LIVE/DEAD staining and Alamar Blue assay. [Biofabrication] Abstract RGDS functionalized and enzymatically degradable poly(ethylene glycol) microgels were annealed into microporous annealed particle hydrogels via thiol-ene click chemistry and photopolymerization. RGDS functionalization led to higher overall vascular endothelial growth factor secretion in degradable scaffolds due to the high cell number. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Scientists introduced porcine brain decellularized (d)ECM to modulate the macrophages in the injured spinal cord. Hydrogels with collagen and dECM at various dECM concentrations were used to cultivate primary macrophages and neurons. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Investigators showed that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) promoted the transdifferentiation of human and mouse lung fibroblasts through its interaction with phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ), forming nanomolar-affinity, intracellular TRPV4-PI3Kγ complexes. [Sci Signal] Abstract Researchers investigated the possibility that protein kinase A (PKA) was regulated by mechanical signaling during migration. They found that localized PKA activity in migrating cells rapidly decreased upon inhibition of actomyosin contractility. [Mol Biol Cell] Abstract | Full Article At low and moderate seeding densities human aortic endothelial cell proliferation was significantly increased on the serous side. Similarly, the ECM niche modulated cellular morphology, with serous side seeding resulting in a more rounded aspect ratio and intact endothelial layer formation. [Sci Rep] Full Article Using kidney lysates from folic acid- and unilateral ureteral obstruction-injured mice, the authors selected matricellular protein genes from their candidate list to confirm mRNA expression by Western Blot, which correlated with injury progression. [Sci Rep] Full Article The effect on corneal stromal cells of adding ECM to an electrospun polymer with differing fiber organizations was explored. Electrospun matrices were generated using polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL combined with ECM and electrospun into random, radial and perpendicularly aligned fiber scaffolds. [Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl] Abstract A Step Toward Engineering Thick Tissues: Distributing Microfibers within 3D Printed Frames Scientists described the fabrication of hierarchical scaffolds that integrated a microenvironment of fibrous network with the open macropore structure of fused deposition modeling. Fibronectin matrix assembled in vitro throughout the hierarchical scaffold survived decellularization and provided a hybrid substrate for recellularization with mesenchymal stromal cells. [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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REVIEWSWnt Signaling in 3D: Recent Advances in the Applications of Intestinal Organoids The authors review how alterations in growth factor dependency and organoid morphology can be exploited to identify Wnt signaling mechanisms, characterize mutated pathway components, and predict responses of patient-derived tumors to targeted therapy. [Trends Cell Biol] Full Article Shared and Distinct Mechanisms of Fibrosis Fibrotic remodeling programmes with shared fibrotic signaling responses such as transforming growth factor-β, platelet-derived growth factor, WNT and hedgehog signaling drive disease progression in later stages of fibrotic diseases. Technological advances, including new models, single-cell technologies and gene editing, could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases and the development of drugs for their treatment. [Nat Rev Rheumatol] Abstract Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field. | |
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INDUSTRY NEWSQrons Extends Sponsored Research Agreement with Dartmouth College Qrons Inc. announced that it has extended the term of its Sponsored Research Agreement with Dartmouth College for an additional year with funding through July 14, 2020. [Qrons, Inc. (GlobeNewswire, Inc.)] Press Release XBiotech Inc. has enrolled the first patient in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical study to evaluate its IL-1a blocking antibody therapy in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. [XBiotech, Inc.] Press Release | |
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POLICY NEWSItaly to Launch National Agency for Research Just two months after Italy underwent a crisis of government and established an alliance between two leading political parties, the left-of-center Democratic Party and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, the country has announced plans to start a National Agency for Research to help oversee the distribution of federal funds. [The Scientist] Editorial The Mental Health of PhD Researchers Demands Urgent Attention Two years ago, a student responding to Nature’s biennial PhD survey called on universities to provide a quiet room for “crying time” when the pressures caused by graduate study become overwhelming. At that time, 29% of 5,700 respondents listed their mental health as an area of concern – and just under half of those had sought help for anxiety or depression caused by their PhD study. Things seem to be getting worse. [Nature News] Editorial
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EVENTSNEW FGF Signaling: Understanding Function and Devising Therapeutic Tools Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIESNEW Research Associate – Models of Cancer (University of Nottingham) Lecturers – Bioengineering (Imperial College London) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Cartilage Mechanobiology (KU Leuven) Postdoctoral Researcher – Islet Biology, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine (Geneva University) Faculty Position – Bone Biology and Regenerative Medicine (University of Michigan) Postdoctoral Fellowship – Metabolism, Signaling, and Epigenetics (University of California, Irvine) PhD Candidate – Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RWTH Aachen University) PhD Student – Receptor-Independent Signaling (University Hospital of Muenster) Postdoctoral Fellow – Wound Healing (University of Pennsylvania) Postdoctoral Researcher – Proteoglycans in Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (Drexel University) Postdoctoral Researchers – Engineering Human Tissues (Columbia University) 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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