Extracellular Matrix News Volume 11.19 | May 21 2020

TOP STORY

Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Fibroblast Clusters Linked to Immunotherapy Resistance in Cancer

Researchers identified eight CAF-S1 clusters by analyzing more than 19000 single CAF-S1 fibroblasts from breast cancer. They validated the five most abundant clusters by flow cytometry and in silico analyses in other cancer types, highlighting their relevance. [Cancer Discov] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Fast Transformation of 2D Nanofiber Membranes into Pre-Molded 3D Scaffolds with Biomimetic and Oriented Porous Structure for Biomedical Applications

Using a unique method of combining innovative gas-foaming and molding technologies, investigators report the rapid transformation of 2D nanofiber membranes into pre-designed 3D scaffolds with biomimetic and oriented porous structure. [Appl Phys Rev] Full Article | Press Release

Specific, Targetable Interactions with the Microenvironment Influence Imatinib-Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Researchers showed in various models, that murine and human imatinib-resistant leukemia cells positive for the oncogene BCR-ABL1T^315I differed from BCR-ABL1 native cells with regards to niche location and specific niche interactions. They implicated a pathway via integrin β3, integrin-linked kinase and its role in deposition of the ECM protein fibronectin as causative of these differences. [Leukemia] Full Article

Ligand Binding to the Collagen VI Receptor Triggers a Talin-to-RhoA Switch that Regulates Receptor Endocytosis

The authors demonstrated that effective switching between talin and RhoA binding was required for the intracellular degradation of collagen VI in human fibroblasts, which explained why hyaline fibromatosis syndrome mutations in the cytoskeleton-binding domain led to dysregulation of ECM homeostasis. [Dev Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Exercise-Induced Increases in Insulin Sensitivity after Bariatric Surgery Are Mediated by Muscle Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

Exercise seems to enhance the beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on insulin resistance. Scientists hypothesized that skeletal muscle ECM remodeling may underly these benefits. [Diabetes] Abstract

Enrichment of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Patients with Desmoplastic Colorectal Liver Metastasis

Scientists compared the tumor microenvironment between desmoplastic histopathological growth pattern (dHGP) and non-dHGP. The tumor microenvironment was investigated in three cohorts of chemo-naive patients surgically treated for esected colorectal liver metastasis. [Br J Cancer] Full Article

The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway Controls Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and Collagen Levels in Human Orbital Fibroblasts

The ability of aryl hydrocarbon receptor to control expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) was analyzed. MMP1 degraded collagen to prevent excessive ECM. [Sci Rep] Full Article

3D Bioprinting of Osteochondral Tissue Substitutes – In Vitro-Chondrogenesis in Multi-Layered Mineralized Constructs

The capability of cells reacting to chondrogenic biochemical stimuli inside the algMC-based 3D hydrogel matrix was assessed. Towards combined osteochondral constructs, the chondrogenic fate in the presence of calcium phosphate cement in co-fabricated and biphasic mineralized pattern was evaluated. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Elastin-Like Recombinamer Hydrogels for Improved Skeletal Muscle Healing Through Modulation of Macrophage Polarization

The authors used elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) as biomaterials for the formation of non- and covalently crosslinked bioactive and biodegradable hydrogels to fill the volumetric muscle loss created in the tibialis anterior muscles of rats. [Front Bioeng Biotechnol] Full Article

RGS12 Is a Novel Critical NF-kappaB Activator in Inflammatory Arthritis

Deletion of RGS12 in myeloid lineage or globally inhibited the development of the collagen-induced arthritis including joint swelling and bone destruction. Mechanistically, RGS12 associated with NF-κB(p65) to activate its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation through PTB domain, and NF-κB(p65) regulated RGS12 expression in a transcriptional manner. [iScience] Abstract | Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Porcine Lung-Derived Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel Properties are Dependent on Pepsin Digestion Time

Using resolubilized homogenized decellularized pig lung decellularized ECM as a model system, significant time-dependent changes in protein concentration, turbidity, and gelation potential were found to occur between the four hour and 24 hour digestion time points, and plateauing with longer digestion times. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Three-Dimensional Extrusion Printing of Porous Scaffolds Using Storable Ceramic Inks

Researchers describe the additive manufacturing of porous three-dimensionally printed ceramic scaffolds prepared with hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate, or the combination of both with an extrusion-based process. The scaffolds were printed using a novel ceramic-based ink with reproducible printability and storability properties. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

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Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for Bioengineering Physiomimetic 3D In Vitro Tumor Models

The authors review current and upcoming methodologies for chemical modification of decellularized (d)ECM-based biomaterials and advanced bioprocessing into organotypic 3D solid tumor models. A comprehensive review of disruptive advances and shortcomings of exploring dECM-based biomaterials for recapitulating the native tumor-supporting matrix is also provided. [Trends Biotechnol] Abstract

Spatial-Omics: Novel Approaches to Probe Cell Heterogeneity and Extracellular Matrix Biology

The ability to preserve the spatial context of cells within samples, their cellular geometry, as well as their surrounding ECM gives spatial-omics the opportunity to interrogate previously unexplored signaling modalities, which has the potential to revolutionize ECM research and our understanding of fibrotic diseases. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

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

CytoDyn to Prepare a Phase III Protocol to Submit to the FDA for a Three-Arm Comparative and Combination Trial of Leronlimab and Remdesivir

CytoDyn, Inc. announced it will be submitting a protocol to the FDA for a factorial design trial to compare effectiveness of leronlimab versus remdesivir and in combination with remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19. [CytoDyn, Inc.] Press Release

Will Trump White House Tear Down Journal Paywalls? Many Anxiously Await a Decision

Scientific publishers, universities, librarians, and open-access advocates are waiting anxiously to see whether the Trump administration will end a long-standing policy and require that every scholarly article produced with US funding be made immediately free to all. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Are Women Publishing Less during the Pandemic? Here’s What the Data Say

Early analyses suggest that female academics are posting fewer preprints and starting fewer research projects than their male peers. [Nature News] Editorial

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NEW Vice President – Oncology and Cell Therapy (GlaxoSmithKline)

Postdoctoral Researcher – ECM in Cancer Progression (Biotech Research and Innovation Centre)

Quality Control – Regenerative Medicine (Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine)

Assistant Professor – Mammalian Synthetic Biology (Eindhoven University of Technology)

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

Postdoctoral Researcher – Regenerative Medicine (ShanghaiTech University)

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

Researcher – Biomaterials Scientist (Aspect Biosystems)

Research Associate – Oncology (Zymeworks, Inc.)

Research Scientist – Tumor Microenvironment (Systimmune, Inc.)

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