Extracellular Matrix News Volume 10.48 | Dec 12 2019

TOP STORY

Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel Derived from Decellularized Tissues Enables Endodermal Organoid Culture

Researchers envisaged that the use of ECM hydrogels derived from decellularized tissues could provide an environment capable of directing cell growth. These gels possessed the biochemical signature of tissue-specific ECM and have the potential for clinical translation. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Paracrine Signalling of Monocytes Enables Desirable Extracellular Matrix Accumulation and Temporally Appropriate Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell-Like Cells Derived from Adipose Stromal Cells

Indirect and direct adipose derived stromal cells (ASC)-vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC)-monocyte co-cultures were constructed within a porous polyurethane scaffold previously shown to have an immunomodulatory character. The effects of monocytes/macrophages on the cellularity, ECM accumulation as well as the maintenance of contractile VSMC markers of the ASC-VSMCs after a month of co-culture were investigated. [Acta Biomater] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Lemon Peel Polyphenol Extract Reduces Interleukin-6-Induced Cell Migration, Invasiveness, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9/2 Expression in Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma MKN-28 and AGS Cell Lines

Investigators analyzed the anti-cancer properties of lemon peel extract (LPE) on migration and invasiveness in MKN-28 and AGS human gastric cancer cell lines either in the absence or presence of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. They found that the pre-treatment with non-cytotoxic concentrations of LPE inhibited interleukin-6-induced cell migration and invasiveness in MKN-28 and AGS cells, as analyzed by wound and matrigel assays. [Biomolecules] Abstract | Download Full Article | Graphical Abstract

In Vitro Expansion of Keratinocytes on Human Dermal Fibroblast-Derived Matrix Retains Their Stem-Like Characteristics

The authors present a culture system free of xenogeneic components that retained the self-renewal capacity of primary human keratinocytes. In vivo the ECM of the tissue microenvironment had a major influence on a cell’s fate. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Stepwise Adipogenesis of Decellularized Cellular Extracellular Matrix Regulates Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Migration and Differentiation

During adipogenic differentiation, ECM components secreted from adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) remodeled dramatically. To evaluate the role of stepwise adipogenesis-induced cellular secretion of ECM on the behavior of ASCs, scientists cultured ASCs in growth and adipogenic media, and ECM secreted from cells was characterized and decellularized. [Stem Cells Int] Full Article

Fabrication of Chitosan/Agarose Scaffolds Containing Extracellular Matrix for Tissue Engineering Applications

Cartilage ECM was used in order to improve the cellular properties of the scaffolds; while, chitosan and agarose were main materials that are used to boost the mechanical and rheological properties of the scaffolds. Furthermore, scientists explored the effect of the various weight ratios of chitosan, agarose, and ECM on the mechanical and biomedical properties of the composite scaffolds using the Taguchi method. [Int J Biol Macromol] Abstract

Modulation of Extracellular Matrix Rigidity via Riboflavin-Mediated Photocrosslinking Regulates Invasive Motility and Treatment Response in a 3D Pancreatic Tumor Model

Researchers showed that the extent of matrix photocrosslinking in reconstituted hydrogels with fixed protein concentration scales inversely with the extent of invasive progression achieved by cells infiltrating into the surrounding ECM from primary transplanted spheroids. [Photochem Photobiol] Abstract

Silencing of Nuclear Factor Kappa B 1 Gene Expression Inhibits Colony Formation, Cell Migration and Invasion via the Downregulation of Interleukin 1 Beta and Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Investigators evaluated the impact of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB1) gene silencing on the colony formation, cell migration and invasion abilities of the renal cell carcinoma cell line. Renca-mock and Renca-shRNA-NF-κB1 cells were used in this work. NF-κB1 downregulation was assessed by western blotting. [Mol Biol Rep] Abstract

Clinical Significance of Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 Levels as Biomarkers for Tumor Expression in Breast Cancer Patients in Egypt

Scientists studied the role of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in breast cancer by measuring their plasma concentrations before and after surgery, and to examine if their levels could reflect the stage of disease and prognosis. Forty-eight breast cancer patients and 13 patients with benign breast diseases were included in the study. [Mol Biol Rep] Abstract

The Effect of Opine on Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Mice with Breast Cancer

40 animals of Balb/C mice were divided into five groups: the healthy control, the cancer control, the cancer group receiving 50mg of octopine, the cancer group receiving 100mg of octopine and the cancer group receiving 150mg of octopine for three weeks. 4T1 cell line was used to induce cancer. Biopsy specimens were enrolled from mice and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 gene expression evaluated using real-time PCR, while these protein amounts were measured using immunohistochemistry and ELISA methods. [Arch Physiol Biochem] Abstract

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The Plot Thickens: The Emerging Role of Matrix Viscosity in Cell Mechanotransduction

Emerging are a range of elastic, viscoelastic and even purely viscous materials that deform and dissipate on cellular length and timescales. The authors review developments in these materials, typically translating from 2D model surfaces to 3D microenvironments and explores how cells interact with them. [Adv Healthc Mater] Full Article

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

Strategic Alliance with Resonant Therapeutics to Identify Targets of Anti-Tumor Antibodies

Retrogenix and US-based Resonant Therapeutics, Inc. announced that they have entered into a non-exclusive strategic partnership to identify the targets of Resonant antibodies directed against the tumor microenvironment. [Retrogenix] Press Release

Engitix and Morphic Enter Research Collaboration to Identify ECM-Related Targets in Fibrostenotic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Engitix Ltd and Morphic Therapeutic announced that they have entered into a research collaboration to identify ECM-related drug targets in fibrostenotic IBD, an intestinal fibrosis complication that affects approximately 30% of Crohn’s Disease patients. [Engitix Ltd] Press Release

Cymerus™ MSCs Effective in Preclinical Model of Sepsis

Cynata Therapeutics Limited announced that it has received positive efficacy data from preclinical studies of its Cymerus™ MSCs in a model of sepsis. [Cynata Therapeutics Limited (GlobeNewswire, Inc.)] Press Release

Rude Paper Reviews Are Pervasive and Sometimes Harmful, Study Finds

Peer reviewers are supposed to ensure that journals publish high-quality science by evaluating manuscripts and offering suggestions for improvement. But often, referee comments stray far from that mission, found the new PeerJ study, which surveyed 1106 scientists from 46 countries and 14 disciplines. More than half of the respondents reported receiving at least one “unprofessional” review, and a majority of those said they had received multiple problematic comments. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

KU Leuven Investigates Whether Stem Cell Scientist Falsified Data

KU Leuven is investigating allegations that one of its researchers, acclaimed stem cell biologist Catherine Verfaillie, was involved in falsifying research in at least 10 scientific papers published between 1999 and 2018, Belgian newspaper De Tijd reported last week. [The Scientist] Editorial

Congress Set to Form Groups to Protect US Research Security

Congress is expected to approve an annual defense bill as early as this week that would create two federal bodies aimed at preventing foreign government influence in scientific research. [The Scientist] Editorial

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

Postdoctoral Position – Bioengineering Organoid Morphogenesis (KU Leuven)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Islet Biology, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine (Geneva University)

Faculty Position – Bone Biology and Regenerative Medicine (University of Michigan)

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