Extracellular Matrix News Volume 2.02 | Jan 20 2011

Elucidating the Role of Matrix Stiffness in 3D Cell Migration and Remodeling  
To better understand the interplay of biophysical and biochemical effectors in controlling three-dimensional cell migration, a poly(ethylene glycol)-based artificial extracellular matrix platform was used in this study to explore the influence of matrix cross-linking density, represented here by stiffness, on cell migration in vitro and in vivo. [Biophys J]

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Researchers Identify New Target in MS
Using a mouse model, researchers have discovered that a molecular switch called EMMPRIN plays an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS). The researchers explored how in MS, EMMPRIN affects MMPs and the entry of leukocytes into the CNS to result in disease activity. [Press release from the Hotchkiss Brain Institute discussing online prepublication in the Journal of Neuroscience]

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor Prime Vascular Tube Morphogenesis and Sprouting Directed by Hematopoietic Stem Cell Cytokines
Scientists demonstrate a novel, direct acting, and synergistic role for three hematopoietic stem cell cytokines, stem cell factor, interleukin-3 and stromal derived factor-1, in controlling human endothelial cell tube morphogenesis, sprouting, and pericyte-induced tube maturation under defined serum-free conditions in 3D matrices. [Blood]

Controlled Architectural and Chemotactic Studies of 3D Cell Migration
Researchers found that dendritic cell migration is characterized by a strong interplay between matrix architecture and chemotactic gradients, and migration is also influenced dramatically by the cell activation state. [Biomaterials]

EMMPRIN: A Novel Regulator of Leukocyte Transmigration into the CNS in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Researchers illustrate a novel involvement of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. [J Neurosci]

In Vitro Calcified Matrix Deposition by Human Osteoblasts onto a Zinc-Containing Bioactive Glass
Researchers performed a detailed in vitro study of the biological reactivity of synthesized 58S bioactive glass containing-zinc, in terms of osteoblast morphology, proliferation, and deposition of a mineralized extracellular matrix. [Eur Cell Mater]

Engineering Adipose Tissue from Uncultured Human Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction on Gelatin Sponge and Collagen Matrix Scaffolds
Results demonstrate that new adipose tissue can be regenerated by seeding freshly isolated, uncultured stromal vascular fraction on 3D porous collagen matrix and gelatin sponge scaffolds. [Tissue Eng Part A]

High Amplitude Direct Compressive Strain Enhances Mechanical Properties of Scaffold-Free Tissue-Engineered Cartilage
The short term influence of variable compressive strain amplitudes on mechanical and biochemical properties of scaffold-free tissue-engineered cartilage was investigated. [Tissue Eng Part A]

Multi-Scale Biomimetic Topography for the Alignment of Neonatal and Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Heart Cells
By mimicking the fibrillar network of the extracellular matrix, the present system enables monitoring of protein localization in real time and therefore the high-resolution study of phenotypic and physiologic responses to in vivo like topographical cues. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods]

Differential Response of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) to Morphogens of Bone Morphogenetic Protein/Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Family in the Surface, Middle and Deep Zones of Articular Cartilage
Researchers investigated the role of bone morphogenetic protein/transforming growth factor-beta superfamily members on COMP. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med]

Hyaluronan Deposition and Correlation with Inflammation in a Murine Ovalbumin Model of Asthma
The study investigates the processes involved in hyaluronan (HA) synthesis, deposition, localization and degradation during an acute and chronic murine model of ovalbumin-induced allergic pulmonary inflammation. [Matrix Biol]

Induction of Type XVI Collagen Expression Facilitates Proliferation of Oral Cancer Cells
Researchers demonstrate that overexpression of type XVI collagen in aberrant oral keratinocytes leads to Kindlin-1 induction, increased Kindlin-1/beta1-integrin interaction, integrin activation and subsequently to a proliferative cellular phenotype. [Matrix Biol]

TGF-Beta1 Diminishes Collagen Production During Long-Term Cyclic Stretching of Engineered Connective Tissue: Implication of Decreased ERK Signaling
The study shows that a sequential stimulus approach — cyclic stretching with delayed TGF-beta1 supplementation — can be used to engineer tissue with desirable tensile and elastic properties. [J Biomechanics]

A United and Powerful Initiative Launched to Strengthen the UK Economy
LifeSciencesUK, a new initiative representing the human healthcare industry, has been launched by the UK’s four key healthcare trade associations to build on the government’s commitment to transform the life sciences environment in the UK. [LifeSciencesUK Press Release]
 
Pervasis Therapeutics to Develop Novel Cell-Based Approach to Target Tumor Environment, Prevent Cancer Recurrence
Pervasis Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the company is pursuing a matrix-embedded endothelial cell-based therapy (PVS-30200) to target and regulate cell stroma in order to prevent key processes that play a role in advancing solid tumor growth and metastasis. [Pervasis Therapeutics, Inc. Press Release]

National Institutes of Health (United States)

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Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Lab Technologist – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies)

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Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

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Postdoctoral Fellowship in Medical Microbiology/ Immunology (Lund University)

Research Assistant/Fellow in Biomedical Engineering (University of Glasgow)

Postdoctoral Fellow (Thomas Jefferson University)

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