Extracellular Matrix News Volume 2.34 | Sep 1 2011

Multi-Hierarchical Self-Assembly of a Collagen Mimetic Peptide from Triple Helix to Nanofibre and Hydrogel
Many approaches to drive the self-assembly of synthetic systems through the same steps as those of natural collagen (peptide chain to triple helix to nanofibres and, finally, to a hydrogel) are partially successful, but none simultaneously demonstrate all the levels of structural assembly. Here researchers describe a peptide that replicates the self-assembly of collagen through each of these steps. [Nat Chem] Abstract | Press Release

Flo11p, Drug Efflux Pumps, and the Extracellular Matrix Cooperate to Form Biofilm Yeast Colonies
Researchers show that a biofilm yeast colony is a finely tuned, complex multicellular organism in which specialized cells jointly execute multiple protection strategies. [J Cell Biol] Abstract

Growth Promoting Substrates for Human Dermal Fibroblasts Provided by Artificial Extracellular Matrices Composed of Collagen I and Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans
Here, researchers investigated artificial extracellular matrix consisting of collagen I and the glycosaminoglycans hyaluronan or chondroitin sulfate. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Effect of PEGylation on the Diffusion and Stability of Chitosan–DNA Polyplexes in Collagen Gels
Researchers used polymerized collagen and collagen–hyaluronic acid gels to study the effects of PEGylation on the diffusion and stability of chitosan–DNA polyplexes. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Identification and Characterization of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein as a Novel Pathogenic Factor in Keloids
To elucidate pathogenic molecules in keloids, microarray analysis was performed using RNAs extracted from keloid-derived fibroblasts and normal skin-derived fibroblasts from the same patient with a typical keloid. Among 11 up-regulated extracellular matrix genes, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein was most prominently increased. [Am J Pathol] Abstract
 
Colocalization In Vivo and Association In Vitro of Perlecan and Elastin
Researchers have colocalized elastin and fibrillin-1 with perlecan in extracellular matrix of tensional and weight-bearing connective tissues. [Histochem Cell Biol] Abstract

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 3 Stimulates Cartilage Matrix Elaboration by Human Marrow-Derived Stromal Cells Encapsulated in Photocrosslinked Carboxymethylcellulose Hydrogels: Potential for Nucleus Pulposus Replacement
Results demonstrate that human marrow-derived stromal cells encapsulated in photocrosslinked carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels supplemented with TGF-β3 are capable of elaborating functional extracellular matrix consistent with the nucleus pulposus phenotype. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Temporal and Spatial Changes in Cartilage-Matrix-Specific Gene Expression in Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Response to Dynamic Compression
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dynamic compression on cartilage-matrix-specific gene expression and to relate this response to the local biochemical environment and cell phenotype at the time of loading. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Biomimetic ECM Incorporated Scaffold Induces Osteogenic Gene Expression in Human Marrow Stromal Cells
In this study, researchers have employed biomimetic strategies to develop a novel collagen/chitosan template that is incorporated with the native extracellular matrix components of differentiating human marrow stromal cells. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Characterization of the Interaction of Interleukin-8 with Hyaluronan, Chondroitin Sulfate, Dermatan Sulfate, and Their Sulfated Derivatives by Spectroscopy and Molecular Modelling
In this work, researchers combine fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR experiments, docking and molecular dynamics simulations to study the configurational and recognition properties of IL-8 towards a series of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate derivatives and dermatan sulfate. [Glycobiology] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Composition of the Cricopharyngeus Muscle
The aim of this study was to analyze the presence and distribution of total collagen, type I and type III collagen, elastic fibers, fibronectin, and versican in the endomysium of cricopharyngeus muscles from adults of various ages. [Dysphagia] Abstract

Controlling Cells’ Environments: A Step Toward Building Much-Needed Tissues and Organs
With stem cells so fickle and indecisive that they make Shakespeare’s Hamlet pale by comparison, scientists described an advance in encouraging stem cells to make decisions about their fate. [Press release from the American Chemical Society discussing research presented at the 242nd National Meeting & Exposition for the American Chemical Society, Denver] Press Release

A Youthful Environment Can Rejuvenate Old Stem Cells
Several recent studies have shown that the mechanical properties of the matrix in which mesenchymal stem cells are grown can affect the type of cell they turn into. So researchers reasoned that the cell’s microenvironment might also influence its regenerative potential. [Press release from New Scientist discussing research presented at the Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence meeting in Cambridge, United Kingdom] Press Release

CIRM Commits $1.8 Million to Build Stem Cell Teams, Accelerate New Therapies
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved funding $1.8 million to support 19 researchers in their effort to assemble competitive teams to develop applications for the Disease Team Therapy Development Awards, which will be due in winter 2012. [California Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

Halozyme Therapeutics to Present at Upcoming Financial Conferences
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing products targeting the extracellular matrix, announced that management will be presenting at two upcoming financial conferences, the William Blair Life Sciences Conference in New York and the Stifel Nicolaus Healthcare Conference in Boston. [Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

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)

NEW Regenerative Medicine: New Approaches to Healthcare
September 28, 2011
New York, United States

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies)

Contract Assay Service Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Post-Doctoral at ECM Biology Lab (University of Pennsylvania)

Recruit Top Talent
Reach more than 11,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Jobs are categorized regionally: United States, Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific

Visit here to post your career opportunities.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Extracellular Matrix News? Click here to submit!

Comments or Suggestions? Email info@connexoncreative.com with your feedback.