Extracellular Matrix News Volume 10.46 | Nov 28 2019

TOP STORY

Development of a Tumor-Responsive Nanopolyplex Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Stroma

The nanopolyplex aimed to normalize the stroma by blocking the interaction between tumor cells and pancreatic stellate cells to inhibit the activation of pancreatic stellate cells and subsequently reduce the dense extracellular matrix. Normalized stroma increased the penetration of the nanopolyplex into the tumor. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Fibroblastic Reticular Cells Control Conduit Matrix Deposition During Lymph Node Expansion

Researchers revealed that polarized fibroblastic reticular cells deposited ECM basolaterally using LL5-β and that ECM production was regulated at transcriptional and secretory levels by the C-type lectin CLEC-2, expressed by dendritic cells. Inflamed lymph nodes maintained conduit size exclusion, and flow was disrupted but persists, indicating the robustness of this structure despite rapid tissue expansion. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Induced Proton Dynamics on Semiconductor Surfaces for Sensing Tight Junction Formation Enhanced by Extracellular Matrix and Drug

The authors monitored time-lapse changes in the paracellular diffusion of growing epithelial cell monolayers using the pH perturbation assay as well as conventional permeability and trans-epithelial electrical resistance assays. The effects of ECM and a TJ potentiator on epithelial TJ formation were evaluated. [ACS Sensors] Abstract

Tenascin-c Mediated Vasculogenic Mimicry Formation via Regulation of MMP2/MMP9 in Glioma

Investigators showed that an extracellular protein called tenascin-c (TNC) was involved in vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation and that TNC knockdown inhibited VM in glioma. TNC was upregulated with an increase in glioma grade. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Lowering the Culture Temperature Corrects Collagen Abnormalities Caused by HSP47 Gene Knockout

Scientists elucidated the functional essence of this change to heat shock protein 47 using fibroblasts established from hsp47^−/− mouse embryos. When the cells were cultured at 37^°C, various defects in procollagen biosynthesis were observed, such as accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum, over-modifications including prolyl hydroxylation, lysyl hydroxylation, and further glycosylation, and unusual secretion of type I collagen homotrimer. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy Mutation in Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) Promotes Choroidal Neovascularization via a Fibroblast Growth Factor-Dependent Mechanism

Researchers tested the hypothesis that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) regulated Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD)-related choroidal neuvascularization (CNV). They demonstrated that mice expressing mutant TIMP3 showed reduced MMP inhibitory activity with an increase in MMP2 activity and bFGF levels, as well as accentuated CNV leakage when subjected to laser injury. [Sci Rep] Full Article

TGF-β1 Mediated Smad Signaling Pathway and EMT in Hepatic Fibrosis Induced by Nano NiO In Vivo and In Vitro

Scientists established the nickel oxide nanoparticles (Nano NiO)-induced hepatic fibrosis model in vivo and investigated the roles of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in Smad pathway activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition occurrence, and ECM deposition in vitro. [Environ Toxicol] Abstract

Novel Biphenyl Diester Derivative AB-38b Inhibited NLRP3 Inflammasome through Nrf2 Activation in Diabetic Nephropathy

Administration of AB-38b improved the kidney function while attenuated renal fibrosis progression in diabetic mice together with reducing the ECM accumulation of glomerular mesangial cells cultured in high glucose. Mechanistically, treatment with AB-38b significantly decreased the high level of NLRP3 inflammasome in diabetic condition by inhibiting the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway. [Cell Biol Toxicol] Abstract

The Glucosamine-Derivative NAPA Suppresses MAPK Activation and Restores Collagen Deposition in Human Diploid Fibroblasts Challenged with Environmental Levels of UVB

Investigated the effects of the glucosamine-derivative 2-(N-Acetyl)-L-phenylalanylamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucose (NAPA) on human primary fibroblasts (FBs) stimulated in vitro with environmental levels of UVB radiation. FBs were irradiated with 0.04J/cm² UVB dose, which resulted a mild dosage as shown by the cell viability and ROS production measurement. [Photochem Photobiol] Abstract

Transcriptome Analyses Provide the First Insight into the Molecular Basis of Cold Tolerance in Larimichthys polyactis

Functional network analysis indicated that L. polyactis adapted to cold stress by employing a series of mechanisms to minimize damages caused by exposure to cold temperatures. The molecular mechanisms identified through RNA-Seq included ECM receptor interaction, glycerolipid metabolism, regulation of autophagy and focal adhesion pathway as playing vital roles in cold tolerance in L. polyactis. [J Comp Physiol B] Abstract

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Intra- and Extracellular Pillars of a Unifying Framework for Homeostatic Plasticity: A Crosstalk between Metabotropic Receptors and Extracellular Matrix

Emerging evidence suggests a synergistic interplay between ECM and metabotropic receptors in both forms of homeostatic plasticity. Activation of dopaminergic, serotonergic, or glutamate metabotropic receptors stimulates intracellular signaling through calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, protein kinase A, protein kinase C, and inositol trisphosphate receptors, and induces changes in expression of ECM molecules and proteolysis of both ECM molecules and ECM receptors. [Front Cell Neurosci] Full Article

Extracellular Matrix-Based Biomaterials and Their Influence ipon Cell Behavior

The mechanisms by which ECM scaffolds promote constructive tissue remodeling include mechanical support, degradation and release of bioactive molecules, recruitment and differentiation of endogenous stem/progenitor cells, and modulation of the immune response toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. The methods of ECM preparation and the impact of these methods on the quality of the final product are described herein. [Ann Biomed Eng] Abstract

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

AVITA Medical and the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Enter into Collaboration to Explore Potential Spray-On Treatment of Genetically Modified Cells for Epidermolysis Bullosa

AVITA Medical announced today a preclinical research collaboration to establish proof-of-concept and explore further development of a spray-on treatment of genetically modified cells for patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), with potential applicability to other genetic skin disorders. [AVITA Medical] Press Release

Two Duke Biomedical Engineers Are Transforming Human Tissue Growth Research

Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University, Tatiana Segura, has spent nearly a decade focusing on repairing tissue in one of the most complex human organs: the brain. Segura’s work focuses on designing hydrogels to mimic the ECM in the brain. This matrix is responsible for providing cells nutrients, enzymes and other factors that are critical for growth. [The Chronicle] Press Release

PhD Students in China Report Misery and Hope

In a Nature survey, only 55% of the Chinese students who responded to the survey said that they were at least partially satisfied with their PhD experience. For the 5,630 respondents outside China, the satisfaction rate was 72%. [Nature News] Editorial

Chinese Ministry Investigates Duplications in Papers by University President

The Chinese education ministry is investigating scientific articles authored by high-profile immunologist and university president Cao Xuetao, following suggestions that dozens of papers contain potentially problematic images. Four journals also say they are examining papers from Cao. [Nature News] Editorial

Stark Party Differences in ‘Brexit Election’ Could Shape Future of UK Science

When representatives of each party took to a stage last week at the Royal Society in London, they all promised increased funding and easier immigration for scientists. But Brexit loomed over the discussion, says Sarah Main, director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, an advocacy group in London. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Exosomes in Human Infectious Diseases Conference
March 5-8, 2020
Nassau, Bahamas

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NEW Master Thesis – Hydrogels and Microfluid Environments (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

Postdoctoral Position – Bioengineering Organoid Morphogenesis (KU Leuven)

Research Associate – Models of Cancer (University of Nottingham)

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)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Wound Healing (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Proteoglycans in Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (Drexel University)

Postdoctoral Researchers – Engineering Human Tissues (Columbia University)

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