Extracellular Matrix News Volume 11.20 | May 28 2020

TOP STORY

Bioengineered Airway Epithelial Grafts with Mucociliary Function Based on Collagen IV- and Laminin-Containing Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds

The authors investigated the influence of the ECM on airway epithelial cell adherence, proliferation and mucociliary function in the context of bioengineered mucosal grafts. In vitro, primary human airway epithelial cells adhered most readily to collagen IV. [Eur Respir J] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Activin-Mediated Alterations of the Fibroblast Transcriptome and Matrisome Control the Biomechanical Properties of Skin Wounds

Bioinformatics analysis of wound fibroblast transcriptome data combined with biochemical and histopathological analyses of wounds and functional in vitro studies identified that activin promoted pro-fibrotic gene expression signatures and processes, including glycoprotein and proteoglycan biosynthesis, collagen deposition, and altered collagen cross-linking. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Glycosaminoglycans Accelerate Biomimetic Collagen Mineralization in a Tissue-Based In Vitro Model

Investigators used an in vitro model based on remineralization of mouse dental tissues to determine the role of matrix glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in control of mineralization. GAGs were selectively removed from demineralized mouse periodontal sections via enzymatic digestion. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Photothermal Modulation of Human Stem Cells Using Light-Responsive 2D Nanomaterials

The interaction of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and near-infrared wavelengths (NIR) stimulation of MoS₂ with human stem cells was investigated using whole-transcriptome sequencing. Global gene expression profile of stem cells revealed significant influence of MoS₂ and NIR stimulation of MoS₂ on integrins, cellular migration, and wound healing. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Full Article

Reciprocal Integrin/Integrin Antagonism through Kindlin-2 and Rho GTPases Regulates Cell Cohesion and Collective Migration: Integrin/Integrin Antagonism Regulates Collective Cell Behavior

Researchers showed that fibronectin-binding β1 and β3 integrins did not act synergistically, but rather antagonized each other during collective cell processes in neuro-epithelial cells, placental trophoblasts, and endothelial cells. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

Sustained Hedgehog Signaling in Medulloblastoma Tumoroids Is Attributed to Stromal Astrocytes and Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Matrix

Scientists demonstrated that medulloblastma (MB) cells were capable of forming tumoroids in vitro under optimized conditions, which could be further passaged and cryopreserved. MB cells maintained hedgehog pathway activation and cell proliferation in tumoroids. [Lab Invest] Abstract

Link between Increased Cellular Senescence and Extracellular Matrix Changes in COPD

Aging hallmarks and ECM markers were analyzed in lung fibroblasts from severe, early onset-COPD and older COPD patients and compared with fibroblasts from matched non-COPD groups, both at normal culture conditions and upon Paraquat-induced senescence. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract

Epithelial-Interleukin-1 Inhibits Collagen Formation by Airway Fibroblasts: Implications for Asthma

The effect of IL-1 family cytokines on airway fibroblasts grown on collagen-coated well-plates and 3D collagen gels was assessed by measurement of inflammatory mediators and ECM proteins by ELISA and western blot, as well as collagen fiber formation using non-linear optical microscopy after 24 hours. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Dedifferentiation of Smooth Muscle Cells in Intracranial Aneurysms and Its Potential Contribution to the Pathogenesis

Dedifferentiated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) expressed some pro-inflammatory factors, suggesting the role in the formation of inflammatory microenvironment to promote the disease. Some SMCs at the intimal hyperplasia were positive for CD68 and contained lipid depositions, indicating similarity with atherosclerosis. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Activation of p38α Stress-Activated Protein Kinase Drives the Formation of the Pre-Metastatic Niche in the Lungs

Researchers report that tumor-derived factor-induced activation of the p38α kinase in lung fibroblasts played a critical role in the formation of a pre-metastatic niche in the lungs and subsequent pulmonary metastases. [Nat Cancer] Abstract

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Synthetic Alternatives to Matrigel

The authors assess the applications of Matrigel in cell culture, regenerative medicine and organoid assembly, detailing the limitations of Matrigel and highlighting synthetic-scaffold alternatives that have shown equivalent or superior results. [Nat Rev Mater] Abstract

The Future of Cancer Immunotherapy: Microenvironment-Targeting Combinations

Scientists describe two categories of approaches to the design of novel drugs and combination therapies: the first involves direct modification of the tumor, while the second indirectly enhances immunogenicity through alteration of the microenvironment. [Cell Res] Full Article

Reversal of the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment by Nanoparticle-Based Activation of Immune-Associated Cells

Investigators introduce the new strategies being employed using nanoscale intelligent drug delivery systems to enhance the effects of cancer immunotherapy. They provide a perspective on the further possible application of nanoparticles in more effective anti-tumor immunotherapy. [Acta Pharm] Abstract

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Sarcoma Foundation of America Announces 2020 Research Grant Awards

The Sarcoma Foundation of America announced that it has awarded three-quarters of a million dollars in research funds to deserving scientists as part of its 2020 SFA Research Grant program. 15 research grants, each worth $50,000, have been awarded to researchers who have made it their mission to study sarcoma, a cancer that arises in the body’s soft tissue and bone. [The Sarcoma Foundation of America] Press Release

What the Growing Rift Between the US and WHO Means for COVID-19 and Global Health

Experts in health policy are contending with the real possibility that the United States will pull away from the World Health Organization (WHO), fracturing a relationship that began in the wake of the Second World War. [Nature News] Editorial

US Lawmakers Unveil Bold $100 Billion Plan to Remake NSF

The National Science Foundation (NSF) would get a sweeping remake-including a new name, a huge infusion of cash, and responsibility for maintaining US global leadership in innovation-under bipartisan bills that have been introduced in both houses of Congress. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Regenerative Medicine (National University of Ireland Galway)

NEW Researcher – Human Tissues (Fondazione Banca dei Tessuti di Treviso Onlus)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Canncer Immunology (Emory University)

NEW Associate Professor – Cancer Biology (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Vice President – Oncology and Cell Therapy (GlaxoSmithKline)

Quality Control – Regenerative Medicine (Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine)

Assistant Professor – Mammalian Synthetic Biology (Eindhoven University of Technology)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Regenerative Medicine (ShanghaiTech University)

Researcher – Biomaterials Scientist (Aspect Biosystems)

Research Scientist – Tumor Microenvironment (Systimmune, Inc.)

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