Extracellular Matrix News Volume 10.00 | Jan 10 2019

TOP STORY

The mTORC1/4E-BP1 Axis Represents a Critical Signaling Node during Fibrogenesis

Scientists demonstrated that rapamycin-insensitive mTORC1 signaling via 4E-BP1 is a critical pathway for TGF-β1 stimulated collagen synthesis in human lung fibroblasts, whereas canonical PI3K/Akt signaling is not required. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Discoidin-Domain Receptor Coordinates Cell-Matrix Adhesion and Collective Polarity in Migratory Cardiopharyngeal Progenitors

Investigators showed that the trunk ventral cell (TVC)-specific collagen-binding discoidin-domain receptor (Ddr) cooperates with Integrin-β1 to promote cell-matrix adhesion. They found that endodermal cells secreted a collagen, Col9-a1, that was deposited in the basal epidermal matrix and promoted Ddr activation at the ventral membrane of migrating TVCs. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Fibrillin-2 Is a Key Mediator of Smooth Muscle Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis during Mouse Tracheal Tubulogenesis

Researchers found that fibrillin-2 (FBN2) is essential for elastic fiber formation and fibronectin accumulation around tracheal smooth muscle cells. These processes appear to be regulated at least in part through inhibition of p38-mediated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), as pharmacological decrease of p38 phosphorylation or MMP activity partially attenuated the Fbn2 mutant tracheal phenotypes. [Eur Respir J] Abstract

Artificial Cellular Nano-Environment Composed of Collagen-Based Nanofilm Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Scientists revealed that the collagen/alginate nanofilm coating stimulated osteogenesis by activating transcriptional coactivators with the PDZ binding motif through extracellular signal-related kinase and p38 MAPK signaling. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Glutamyl-Prolyl-tRNA Synthetase Induces Fibrotic Extracellular Matrix via Both Transcriptional and Translational Mechanisms

Treatment with TGF-β1 up-regulated fibronectin and collagen I levels in LX2 hepatic stellate cells. This effect was inhibited in prolyl-transfer RNA synthetase (PRS)-suppressed LX2 cells. Furthermore, signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling activation was involved in the effects of TGF-β1 on ECM expression in a PRS-dependent manner. [FASEB J] Abstract

The Interaction between Laminin-332 and α3β1 Integrin Determines Differentiation and Maintenance of CAFs, and Supports Invasion of Pancreatic Duct Adenocarcinoma Cells

In a spheroid culture system, the differentiation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was analyzed for laminin-332 production, laminin-binding integrin repertoire, adhesion and migration behavior, and, in heterospheroids, for their interplay with the pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma AsPC-I cells. [Cancers] Full Article

Cell Force-Mediated Matrix Reorganization Underlies Multicellular Network Assembly

Investigators revealed that active cell-mediated matrix recruitment through actomyosin force generation occured concurrently with network formation on Matrigel, a reconstituted basement membrane matrix regularly used to promote endothelial cell networks, and on synthetic matrices composed of electrospun dextran methacrylate fibers. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Effects of the Isothiocyanate Sulforaphane on TGF-β1-Induced Rat Cardiac Fibroblast Activation and Extracellular Matrix Interactions

Researchers determined the potential effects of sulforaphane on the conversion of quiescent cardiac fibroblasts to an activated myofibroblast phenotype and associated alterations in signaling, expression of extracellular matrix receptors, and cellular physiology following stimulation with TGF-β1. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

Quantifying the Vasculogenic Potential of iPSC-Derived Endothelial Progenitors in Collagen Hydrogels

Increasing the concentration of collagen in the hydrogels abrogated network formation and encouraged the formation of disconnected, large-diameter lumens. This phenomenon was in part related to the cells’ proteolytic capacity and the hydrogels’ properties, specifically hydrogel deformability and pore size. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Metabolic Regulation of Dermal Fibroblasts Contributes to Skin Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis and Fibrosis

Scientists showed a consistent downregulation in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and upregulation of glycolysis in fibrotic skin and in normal skin with abundant ECM. Perturbation of glycolysis and FAO pathway enzymes revealed their reciprocal effects in ECM upregulation and downregulation, respectively. [Nat Metab] Full Article | Press Release | Editorial

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Integrin Trafficking in Cells and Tissues

The authors discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanisms and cellular roles of integrin endocytic trafficking. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract

Matrix-Assisted Cell Transplantation for Tissue Vascularization

Investigators describe the choice of cells suitable for pro-angiogenic therapies, the properties that should be considered when designing synthetic ECM for transplantation and their relative importance. [Adv Drug Deliv Rev] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

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

Generex Biotechnology Partner Olaregen Therapeutix Inc. Signs Manufacturing Agreements for Excellagen^® Wound Healing Collagen Matrix

Generex Biotechnology Corporation announced that its partially, soon to be fully-owned subsidiary, Olaregen Therapeutix, Inc. has signed critical manufacturing agreements for Excellagen^® with Collagen Solutions, and with Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing. [Generex Biotechnology Corp.] Press Release

Researcher Evaluates Estrogen as Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

University of Kansas (KU) researcher Jenny Robinson is studying how estrogen may protect the menisci, the crescent-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage that absorb shock between the thighbone and shinbone. Her work is enabled by a one-year, $125,000 grant from the Center for Molecular Analysis of Disease Pathways, an NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence based at KU. [University of Kansas] Press Release

TELA Bio Begins Commercialization for Large Size OviTex^® Reinforced BioScaffolds for Hernia Repair and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction after Aroa Biosurgery Receives 510k Clearance

TELA Bio^®, Inc. and Aroa Biosurgery announced 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market large sizes of OviTex RBS. A distinct class of surgical mesh, OviTex RBSs are the only devices available that reinforce biologic materials with polymer fibers in a unique embroidered construction that allows for functional tissue remodeling, as well as improved strength and handling. [TELA Bio (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

Colombia Creates Its First Science Ministry

Colombian scientists are cautiously optimistic after the country’s Senate voted to create the nation’s first Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. [Nature News] Editorial

Taiwanese Biochemist Cleared of Corruption

A Taiwanese court has cleared biochemist Wong Chi-huey of corruption. Wong, a former head of Taiwan’s foremost research institution, Academia Sinica, had been accused of accepting shares as a bribe for helping the Taiwanese biopharmaceutical firm OBI Pharma secure the rights to use enzyme-synthesis technology that he had developed. Wong denies he did anything illegal. [Nature News] Editorial

U.S. Government Shutdown Starts to Take a Bite Out of Science

The shutdown is creating chaos for university researchers, private contractors, and others who collaborate with idled federal scientists, or depend on affected agencies for funding, facilities, and data. Besides doing lasting damage to some research projects, the standstill is threatening livelihoods. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW 2^nd International Translational & Regenerative Medicine Conference
April 15-16, 2019
Valencia, Spain

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

NEW Tenure Track Assistant Professor – Regenerative Medicine (University of British Columbia)

NEW Associate Senior Lecturer – Molecular Medicine/Regenerative Medicine (Lund University)

NEW Postdoctoral Associate – Planar Cell Polarity (Stony Brook University)

NEW Tenure Track Faculty Position – Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (University of Rochester)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Tissue Fibrosis Resolution (UCSF Cardiovascular Research Institute)

Scientist – Matrix Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Assistant Professor – Sarcoma & Skeletal-Related Malignancies (UC Davis School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Extracellular Matrix (UCSF School of Medicine)

Lecturers/ Senior Lecturers – Department of Bioengineering (Imperial College London)

Postdoctoral Position – Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells & Bioengineering (Igenomix Foundation)

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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