Extracellular Matrix News Volume 10.11 | Mar 28 2019

TOP STORY

Extracellular Matrix Protein Tenascin C Increases Phagocytosis Mediated by CD47 Loss of Function in Glioblastoma

CD47 knockout increased tumor-associated ECM protein tenascin C (TNC) in xenografts, which was further examined in vitro. CD47 loss-of-function upregulated TNC expression in tumor cells via a Notch pathway-mediated mechanism. Depletion of TNC in tumor cells enhanced the growth of CD47^-/- xenografts in vivo and decreased the number of tumor associated microglia/macrophages. [Cancer Res] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Topotactic Fibrillogenesis of Freeze-Casted Microridged Collagen Scaffolds for 3D Cell Culture

These collagen-only, non-cross-linked scaffolds exhibited uncommon mechanical properties in the wet state. With the help of the ice-patterned micro-ridge features, normal human dermal fibroblasts and C2C12 murine myoblasts successfully migrated and formed highly-aligned populations within the resulting 3D biomimetic collagen scaffolds. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Deciphering the Mammary Stem Cell Niche: A Role for Laminin-Binding Integrins

Investigators found that stem cell activity, as evaluated in transplantation and mammosphere assays, was reduced in mammary basal cells depleted of laminin receptors containing α3- and α6-integrin subunits. This was accompanied by low MDM2 levels, p53 stabilization, and diminished proliferative capacity. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article

Silencing Y-Box Binding Protein-1 Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Invasiveness via Regulation of MMP1 and Beta-Catenin Expression

Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) stable knockdown (shYB-1) cells exhibited substantial downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) and beta-catenin mRNA and protein expression with reduced MMP1 enzyme activity. YB-1 was also observed to bind to the promoter of MMP1 and overexpression of MMP1 plasmid in shYB-1 cells increased cell invasion. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

A Soft 3D Polyacrylate Hydrogel Recapitulates the Cartilage Niche and Allows Growth-Factor Free Tissue Engineering of Human Articular Cartilage

In vitro and in vivo biological assays demonstrated that chondrocytes cultured on the hydrogel had the capacity to produce ECM similar to hyaline cartilage, as shown by increased expression of collagen type II, aggrecan and Sox9, and the reduced expression of the fibrotic marker’s collagen type I. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

An In Vitro and In Vivo Comparison of Cartilage Growth in Chondrocyte-Laden Matrix Metalloproteinase-Sensitive Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Hydrogels with Localized Transforming Growth Factor β3

Chondrocyte-laden hydrogels were analyzed for total sulfated glycosaminoglycan and collagen contents, matrix metalloproteinase activity, and spatial deposition of aggrecan, decorin, biglycan, and collagens type II and I. The total amount of ECM deposited in the hydrogel constructs was similar in vitro and in vivo. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

KLF9 Suppresses Gastric Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis through Transcriptional Inhibition of MMP28

Scientists revealed that Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) specifically bound to the promoter region of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)28. Further quantitative real-time PCR and dual-luciferase assay indicated that KLF9 directly inhibited MMP28 transcription. Importantly, decreased invasion and metastasis capability of gastric cancer cells caused by ectopic KLF9 expression could be rescued via reinforcing MMP28 expression in vivo. [FASEB J] Abstract

Connectivity Map Identifies Luteolin as a Treatment Option of Ischemic Stroke by Inhibiting MMP9 and Activation of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Cytoscape and gene set enrichment analysis showed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was crucial in ischemic stroke. Cell experiments revealed that luteolin enhanced cell viability and downregulated apoptosis via inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [Exp Mol Med] Full Article

Collagen Facilitates the Colorectal Cancer Stemness and Metastasis through an Integrin/PI3K/Akt/Snail Signaling Pathway

Colorectal cancer cells cultured on 2D collagen revealed obviously enhanced capability of metastasis and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Researchers demonstrated that the activation of PI3K/AKT signal induced by integrin α2β1 resulted in the enhanced metastatic capability and stemness of colorectal cancer cells. [Biomed Pharmacother] Full Article

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The Extracellular Matrix as a Multitasking Player in Disease

The authors present critical and emerging issues related to matrix assembly in tissues and the multitasking roles for ECM in diseases such as osteoarthritis, fibrosis, cancer and genetic diseases. The mechanisms underlying the various matrix-based diseases are also discussed. [FEBS J] Abstract | Full Article

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Keratoconus – Too Much of a Good Thing?

During the past two decades a growing body of evidence has accumulated suggesting a link between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and keratoconus (KC). Investigators summarize the published literature on the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of KC. [Exp Eye Res] Abstract

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

New Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology Launched

Building stripped-down versions of life using protocells, genome delivery systems and synthetic cytoskeletons comprise some of the groundbreaking research due to take place at a new Center launched at the University of Bristol. [University of Bristol] Press Release

Bone Biologics Receives Human Research Ethics Committee (Hrec) Approval for the First Center of a Multicenter Pilot Clinical Trial to Evaluate NB1 (Nell-1/Dbx^®) in Australia

Bone Biologics Corp. has announced that it received Human Research Ethics Committee approval on March 20, 2019, for the first center of a multicenter pilot clinical trial to evaluate NB1 in 30 patients in Australia. [Bone Biologics Corp. (Business Wire, Inc.)] Press Release

Top US Institutes Still Aren’t Reporting Clinical-Trial Results on Time

Many leading US universities are breaking the law by failing to make public the results of clinical trials. A report found that 25 of the 40 universities that sponsor the most trials in the United States did not post study results on a public, government register within 12 months of completion, as is required by US law. [Nature News] Editorial

Duke University Settles Research Misconduct Lawsuit for $112.5 Million

Duke University will pay $112.5 million to the U.S. government to settle a lawsuit brought by a former employee who alleged that the university included falsified data in applications and reports for federal grants worth nearly $200 million. The university will also take several steps “to improve the quality and integrity of research conducted on campus,” including the creation of a new advisory panel that will provide recommendations to the president, the Durham, North Carolina, institution said in a statement. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conference: Central Nervous System Injury & Repair
June 16-21, 2019
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Research – Modelling Bioabsorbable Vascular Scaffolds (NUI Galway)

Scientist – Matrix Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Vascular Tissue Engineering (BioTis)

Postdoctoral Positions – Pancreatic Cancer Research (Umeå University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Bone Matrix Research (NUI Galway)

Early Stage Researchers/PhD Positions – Biomechanics in Health & Disease (Phys2BioMed ITN-ETN Network)

Faculty Position – Department of Bioengineering (University of Pittsburgh)

University Lecturers – Molecular & Integrative Sciences (University of Helsinki)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Experimental Systems Biology of Lung Regeneration & Fibrosis (Helmholtz Zentrum München)

Postdoctoral Scholar – Computational Modeling of Cell-Matrix Interactions (Washington University, St. Louis)

Assistant Professor – Development & Re-Generation of Biological Systems (ETH Zurich)

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