Extracellular Matrix News Volume 11.00 | Jan 9 2020

TOP STORY

Integrin Subtypes and Nanoscale Ligand Presentation Influence Drug Sensitivity in Cancer Cells

Researchers utilized integrin subtype-specific peptidomimetics, both as blocking agents on fibronectin-coated surfaces and as surface-immobilized adhesion sites, in order to parse out the role of αvβ3 vs. α5β1 in breast cancer cell survival. [Nano Lett] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Chondroinductive Alginate-Based Hydrogels Having Graphene Oxide for 3D Printed Scaffolds Fabrication

Scientists developed bioconjugated hydrogel nanocomposite inks for 3D printed scaffold fabrication through a micro-extrusion process having improved both biocompatibility and processability. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

NC1-Peptide Regulates Spermatogenesis through Changes in Cytoskeletal Organization Mediated by EB1

It was shown that NC1-peptide induced considerable downregulation on a number of cell polarity and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins, and studies had shown these polarity and PCP proteins modulated spermatid polarity and adhesion via their effects on microtubule and F-actin cytoskeletal organization across the epithelium. [FASEB J] Full Article

Human Tumor-Derived Matrix Improves the Predictability of Head and Neck Cancer Drug Testing

Investigators screened 19 anticancer compounds, targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, MEK, and PI3K/mTOR on 12 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines cultured on plastic, mouse sarcoma-derived Matrigel, and Myogel. They applied a high-throughput drug screening assay under five different culturing conditions: cells in two-dimensional plastic wells and on top or embedded in Matrigel or Myogel. [Cancers] Full Article

Increased Stiffness of the Tumor Microenvironment in Colon Cancer Stimulates Cancer Associated Fibroblast-Mediated Prometastatic Activin A Signaling

Researchers assessed the link between biophysical forces and pro-metastatic signaling by testing the hypothesis that cancer-associated fibroblasts-generated mechanical forces lead to activin A release and associated downstream effects. Consistent with the hypothesis, they determined that stromal activin A secretion increased with increasing substrate stiffness. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression Associated with Cell Migration in Rat Brain Astrocytes

The authors applied pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA transfection to assess the levels of MMP-9 protein, mRNA, and promoter activity, as well as protein kinase phosphorylation in RBA-1 cells triggered by liposaccharides [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Mapping of Biomechanical Properties of Cell Lines on Altered Matrix Stiffness Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Two different cell categories, i.e. healthy and cancerous, having two different types in each category, i.e. 3T3 fibroblast, HaCaT keratinocyte, untreated and drug-treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 were chosen for cell culture on PDMS matrix of different stiffness without any prior protein layer to facilitate unbiased cell growth. Subsequently cell mechanics response was evaluated by AFM technique and correlated with immunofluorescence assay. [Biomech Model Mechanobiol] Abstract

Evaluation of a Bioengineered ACL Matrix’s Osteointegration with BMP-2 Supplementation

Scientists designed a new bioengineered ACL matrix that was easier to install and could be used with endobutton fixation during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. To achieve this, a new braiding procedure was developed to allow the matrix to be folded in half, making two-limbs, while maintaining its bone and ligament compartments. [PLoS One] Full Article

Cirrhotic Human Liver Extracellular Matrix 3D Scaffolds Promote Smad-Dependent TGF-β1 Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition

Healthy and cirrhotic human livers ECM scaffolds were developed using a high shear stress oscillation-decellularization procedure. The scaffolds’ bio-physical/bio-chemical properties were analyzed by qualitative and quantitative approaches. [Cells] Abstract | Download Full Article

Biphasic Role of Tgf-β Signaling During Müller Glia Reprogramming and Retina Regeneration in Zebrafish

The significance of Tgf-β signaling for inducing MGPCs was explored. Notably, Tgf-β signaling not only performed a pro-proliferative function but also was necessary for the expression of several regeneration-associated, essential transcription factor genes such as ascl1a, lin28a, oct4, sox2, zebs, and various microRNAs namely, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-143 and miR-145 during different phases of retina regeneration. [iScience] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

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Peri/Epicellular Thiol Oxidoreductases as Mediators of Extracellular Redox Signaling

Supracellular redox networks regulating cell-ECM and organ system architecture merge with structural and functional properties of disulfide bonds. The authors address emerging evidence that exported thiol oxidoreductases such as thioredoxin, protein disulfide isomerases, QSOX1 and peroxiredoxins, composing a peri/epicellular (pec)TOR pool, mediates relevant signaling. [Antioxid Redox Signal] Abstract

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Scholar Rock Achieves First Milestone in Strategic Fibrosis Collaboration with Gilead Sciences

Scholar Rock announced that the company has earned a $25 million milestone payment from Gilead Sciences, Inc. for the successful demonstration of efficacy in pre-clinical in vivo proof-of-concept studies. [Scholar Rock] Press Release

Galecto and PharmAkea Merge to Create Strong Clinical-Stage Company Developing First-in-Class Therapeutics in Fibrosis and Cancer

Galecto and PharmAkea, Inc. announced the two companies will merge. The merger brings together two clinical stage companies with strong programs in fibrosis and cancer, including an inhaled galectin-3 modulator currently in Phase IIb for the potential treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. [Galecto] Press Release

Verastem Oncology Announces Global Licensing Agreement with Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to Develop and Commercialize RAF/MEK Inhibitor CH5126766

Verastem, Inc. announced a global licensing agreement with Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., whereby Verastem Oncology is obtaining worldwide development and commercialization rights to the RAF/MEK inhibitor CH5126766 from Chugai currently under development for the treatment of KRAS mutant solid tumors. [Verastem, Inc.] Press Release

Government Call for Science ‘Weirdos’ Prompts Caution from Researchers

Researchers have reacted with surprise and caution to a bizarrely worded job advertisement posted by a senior UK government adviser. The notice calls for scientists, mathematicians and “super-talented weirdos” to work for the prime minister and to help make “rapid progress with long-term problems”, and cites several scientific papers. [Nature News] Editorial

UK Group Tackles Reproducibility in Research

Last month, 10 UK universities became part of the UK Reproducibility Network, joining a network that already includes stakeholders such as the Academy of Medical Sciences, Research Libraries UK, the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, journals including Nature and PLOS, and local networks of researchers. [The Scientist] Editorial

NEW Tumor Metabolism
March 8-12, 2020
Banff, Alberta, Canada

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NEW Research Associate – Oncology (Zymeworks Inc.)

NEW Research Fellow – Cell Signaling (University of Sussex)

NEW Research Scientist – Tumor Microenvironment (Systimmune Inc.)

NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Tumor Microenvironment (Personalis, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Tumor Microenvironment (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Inter- and Extracellular Protein Interactions (University of Southern California)

Early Stage Researcher – Multiple Sclerosis (University Hospital of Muenster)

Scientist – Regenerative Medicine (Xtant Medical, Inc.)

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

Postdoctoral Position – Bioengineering Organoid Morphogenesis (KU Leuven)

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