Mapping of the Disease Locus and Identification of ADAMTS10 as a Candidate Gene in a Canine Model of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma The Gly661Arg variant in ADAMTS10 found in the primary open angle glaucoma Beagles suggests that altered processing of extracellular matrix and/or defects in microfibril structure or function may be involved in raising intraocular pressure, offering specific biochemical targets for future research and treatment strategies. [PLoS Genet] The Effect of Degradable Polymer Surfaces on Co-Cultures of Monocytes and Smooth Muscle Cells The present work investigated the interactive co-cellular response of human monocytes and human vascular smooth muscle cells with a novel degradable, polar/hydrophobic/ionic polyurethane and compared it to a commercially available biomaterial, poly-lactic-glycolic acid as well as tissue culture polystyrene. [Biomaterials] Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Protects Cardiovascular Syndecan-1 from Oxidative Shedding This study tests the hypothesis that extracellular superoxide dismutase protects against cardiac fibrosis mechanistically by limiting oxidative stress and oxidant-induced shedding of syndecan-1 in the extracellular matrix. [Free Radic Biol Med] Collagen I Regulates the Self-Renewal of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Through Alpha2Beta1 Integrin- and DDR1-Dependent Bmi-1 Results indicate that collagen I stimulates the self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) mediated by Bmi-1 through alpha2beta1 integrin-dependent ILK, Notch, Gli-1, and DDR1-dependent Ras, PI3K/Akt, and ERK. [J Cell Physiol] Endoglin Promotes TGF-Beta/Smad1 Signaling in Scleroderma Fibroblasts This study has revealed an important profibrotic role of endoglin in scleroderma (SSc) fibroblasts. The endoglin/ALK1/Smad1 pathway could be a therapeutic target in patients with SSc if appropriately blocked. [J Cell Physiol] Role of JNK/ATF-2 Pathway in Inhibition of Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) Expression and Apoptosis Mediated by Doxorubicin and Camptothecin in FTC-133 Cells Researchers demonstrate that Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) play a critical role in camptothecin (CPT)- and doxorubicin (DOX)-induced down-regulation of TSP-1 expression: i) de novo ceramide synthesis pathway activates JNK 1/2 resulting in ATF-2 phosphorylation, ii) cell treatment by SP600125, a JNK specific inhibitor, strongly reduced ATF-2 phosphorylation and completely abolished CPT and DOX effects and iii) ATF-2 expression silencing greatly attenuated CPT- and DOX-induced down-regulation of TSP-1 expression and apoptosis. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Electrospun Scaffolds of Self-Assembling Peptides with Poly(Ethylene Oxide) for Bone Tissue Engineering Searching for suitable extracellular matrix substitutes, structural, mechanical and biochemical properties have to be considered. In order to join these two strategies, nano-fibrous electrospun scaffolds of hybrid polymer were designed and obtained by mixing poly(ethylene oxide) and self-assembling peptides in aqueous solution. [Acta Biomater] Influence of Physical Properties of Biomaterials on Cellular Behavior Increasing mesh size of the hydrogels resulted in an increase in cellular proliferation exhibiting the strong correlation between mesh size and cell growth, while mesh size had a differential effect on ECM accumulation and expression of cartilage specific markers. [Pharm Res] Coordinated Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Synthesis by the MicroRNA-29 Family in the Trabecular Meshwork Findings derived from this study identify the microRNA-29 family as a critical regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM) expression in the trabecular meshwork and suggest that its modulation by TGF-beta2 may be important in controlling ECM synthesis. [Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci] Extracellular Matrix Functionalized Microcavities to Control Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Fate Polymeric microcavities functionalized with extracellular matrix components were used as an experimental in vitro model to investigate principles of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fate control. [Macromol Biosci] |