Extracellular Matrix News Volume 11.14 | Apr 16 2020

TOP STORY

The Balance between Actomyosin Contractility and Microtubule Polymerization Regulates Hierarchical Protrusions that Govern Efficient Fibroblast-Collagen Interactions

Investigators identified the mechanisms by which fibroblasts interacted with their 3D collagen fibrous matrices in the early stages of cell-matrix interaction and showed that fibroblasts used energetically efficient hierarchical micro/nano scaled protrusions in these stages as the primary means for the transformation and adaptation. [ACS Nano] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Sprifermin (rhFGF18) versus Vehicle Induces a Biphasic Process of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Human Knee OA Articular Cartilage Ex Vivo

The authors hypothesized that a temporal multiphasic process of ECM degradation and formation underlie the effect of sprifermin inducing cartilage regeneration in knees of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). They characterized the temporal ECM remodeling of human knee OA articular cartilage in response to sprifermin treatment. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Development Of a Tunable Method to Generate Various Three-Dimensional Microstructures by Replenishing Macromolecules Such as Extracellular Matrix Components and Polysaccharides

Scientists developed a tunable method for replenishing macromolecules, including ECM components and polysaccharides, into spheroids without compromising cell viability by injecting a microvolume cell suspension into a high density of methylcellulose dissolved in the culture medium. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Collagen-Binding IL-12 Enhances Tumor Inflammation and Drives the Complete Remission of Established Immunologically Cold Mouse Tumors

Researchers showed that, after intravenous administration of a collagen-binding domain fused to IL-12 (CBD-IL-12) in mice bearing aggressive mouse tumors, CBD-IL-12 accumulated in the tumor stroma due to exposed collagen in the disordered tumor vasculature. [Nat Biomed Eng] Abstract | Press Release

A Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) as Potential Excipient in Collagen-Based Products

The behavior of collagen in a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) composed of citric acid and xylitol and aqueous dilutions thereof was assessed by spectroscopic, calorimetric and viscosity methods. Collagen exhibited variable unfolding properties dependent on the type of material and degree of aqueous dilution of the NADES. [Int J Biol Macromol] Full Article

The Significance of MicroRNAs Expression in Regulation of Extracellular Matrix and Other Drug Resistant Genes in Drug Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines

Researchers exhibited alterations in the miRNA expression levels in cisplatin, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and topotecan -resistant variants of the W1 sensitive ovarian cancer cell line-using miRNA microarray. They also identified miRNAs responsible for the regulation of drug-resistant genes. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

Morphology, Motility, and Cytoskeletal Architecture of Breast Cancer Cells Depend on Keratin 19 and Substrate

The authors ablated the expression of keratin 19 (K19) in breast cancer cells of the MDA-MB-231 cell line and found that cells lacking K19 became more elongated in culture, with morphological reversion toward the parental phenotype upon transduction of KRT19. The number of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions were significantly reduced in KRT19 knockout cells. [Cytometry A] Abstract

Osteoporosis-Decreased Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Impairs Connexin 43-Mediated Gap Junction Intercellular Communication in Osteocytes

Scientists established an ovariectomy–nduced osteoporosis mouse model in vivo and a polydimethylsiloxane-based cell culture substrate model in vitro to explore the influence of ECM stiffness on cell-to-cell communication in osteocytes. [Acta Biochim Biophys Sin] Abstract

Injectable Therapeutic Organoids Using Sacrificial Hydrogels

Investigators introduce a method of using hydrogels as sacrificial scaffolds, which allowed cells to form self-organized clusters followed by gentle release, resulting in highly reproducible multicellular structures on a large scale. [iScience] Abstract

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Multi-Functional Biomaterials: Combining Materials Modification Strategies for Engineering of Cell Contacting Surfaces

The authors summarize recent work on combinatorial surface modifications that aim to control biological responses. Modification and characterization methods for enhanced control over multi-functional material properties are highlighted and discussed. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

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

Arch Therapeutics Receives CE Mark Approval for AC5™ Topical Hemostat in Europe

Arch Therapeutics, Inc. announced receipt of the Conformité Européenne (CE) mark for its first-in-class wound care product, AC5TM Topical Hemostat. [Arch Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

WHO’s Tedros, Expressing ‘Regret’ over Trump Move to Cut Funding, Says His Focus Is on ‘Saving Lives’

The head of the World Health Organization expressed “regret” that President Trump intends to cut off US funding to the agency over its handling of the coronavirus, but pointedly avoided criticizing the US move. [STAT News] Editorial

Ending Coronavirus Lockdowns Will Be a Dangerous Process of Trial and Error

After the novel coronavirus made its way from China around the world, one country after another adopted harsh measures to stop SARS-CoV-2 from spreading and overwhelming hospitals. They have hit the pause button on their economies and their citizens’ lives, stopping sports events, religious services, and other social gatherings. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

In light of COVID-19, many conferences are being cancelled or postponed. As such:

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NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Regenerative Biomedicine (TU Dresden)

PhD Studentship – 3D Bioprinting of Tissues (Uppsala University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Regenerative Medicine (ShanghaiTech University)

Principle Investigator – Regenerative Medicine (Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health)

Faculty Member – Lung ECM Biology (NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)

Postdoctoral Researcher – ECM Remodeling in Breast Cancer (Institute of Cancer Research)

Department Head – Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (University of Illinois College of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Myometrial ECM (University of Vermont)

Researcher – Biomaterials Scientist (Aspect Biosystems)

Research Associate – Oncology (Zymeworks, Inc.)

Research Scientist – Tumor Microenvironment (Systimmune, Inc.)

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