Extracellular Matrix News Volume 2.36 | Sep 15 2011

Self-Assembly of Collagen-Mimetic Peptide Amphiphiles into Biofunctional Nanofiber
In this work, a novel collagen-mimetic peptide amphiphile was prepared by conjugating a single hydrophobic tail with a collagen-mimetic peptide, supplemented with bioactive glycine-phenylalanine-hydroxyproline-glycine-glutamate-arginine. [ACS Nano] Abstract

A Cell-Instructive Hydrogel to Regulate Malignancy of 3D Tumor Spheroids with Matrix Rigidity
This study reports an advanced strategy to assemble 3D liver tumor spheroids with controlled intercellular organization, phenotypes, and angiogenic activities using hydrogels with controlled stiffness and minimal differences in molecular diffusivity. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Selective Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Increases Collagen Content of Established Mouse Atheromas
This study, of considerable clinical relevance, furnishes new mechanistic insight into regulation of the plaque’s extracellular matrix and validates molecular imaging for studying plaque biology. [Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol] Abstract

Collagen VI: Conformation of A-Domain Arrays and Microfibril Architecture
Collagen VI microfibrils are typically formed from a heterotrimer of the a1, a2 and a3 chains. The a3 chain is distinct as it contains an extended N-terminus with up to ten consecutive von Willebrand factor type A-domains. Here researchers use solution small angle X-ray scattering and single particle analysis EM to determine the nanostructure of nine of these contiguous A-domains. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

In Vitro Cartilage Tissue Engineering Using Adipose-Derived Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds Seeded with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Here, researchers explored cartilage tissue engineering using extracellular matrix scaffolds seeded with stem cells. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Evaluation of a Thin and Mechanically Stable Collagen Cell Carrier
In the present study, researchers evaluated the mechanical and the cell biological properties of a novel, thin, and planar collagen scaffold. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

A Novel Method for the Fabrication of Fibrin Based Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffold for Tissue Engineering Applications
In this study, fibrin, which is superior to fibrinogen both in structural and functional properties, has for the first time been electrospun successfully into uniform nano fibers resembling the extracellular matrix. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Diffusion of MMPs on the Surface of Collagen Fibrils: The Mobile Cell Surface – Collagen Substratum Interface
Researchers propose that the collagenolytic complex (MT1-MMP)2/TIMP-2/MMP-2 represents a Mobile Cell Surface – Collagen Substratum Interface. The biological implications of MT1-MMP acting as a molecular ratchet tethered to the cell surface in complex with MMP-2 suggest a new mechanism for the role of spatially regulated peri-cellular proteolysis in cell-matrix interactions. [PLoS ONE] Abstract

ß-Catenin Signaling is Required for TGF-ß1-Induced Extracellular Matrix Production by Airway Smooth Muscle Cells
In this study, researchers investigated the activation of ß-catenin signaling and its contribution to extracellular matrix production by airway smooth muscle cells in response to TGF-ß1. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract

Quantification of Collagen Organization and Extracellular Matrix Factors within the Healing Ligament
Using a combination of advanced histology, molecular biology, and nonlinear optical imaging approaches, the early extracellular matrix events during ligament healing have been better characterized and defined. [Microsc Microanal] Abstract

Australia, Singapore Pledge Commitment to Further Scientific Collaboration
Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote exchange between the two countries in the areas of health and medical research. [Agency for Science, Technology and Research] Press Release

ViroPharma and Halozyme Therapeutics Announce Initiation of Phase 2 Evaluation of Subcutaneous Delivery of Cinryze® (C1 Esterase Inhibitor [Human]) with Hyaluronidase (rHuPH20)
ViroPharma Incorporated and Halozyme Therapeutics announced that ViroPharma has initiated an open-label, multi-dose Phase 2 study to evaluate the safety, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of subcutaneous administration of Cinryze® (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) in combination with Halozyme’s Enhanze™ technology, a proprietary drug delivery platform using Halozyme’s recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20), in subjects with hereditary angioedema. [ViroPharma Incorporated] Press Release

HYALGAN® (Sodium Hyaluronate) Commercial Rights Transfer Back to Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A.
Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A. (Fidia) announced that commercial rights for HYALGAN ® (sodium hyaluronate), an injectable treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis when simple painkillers or exercise and physical therapy are not enough, will be transferred from Sanofi US LLC back to Fidia on September 24, 2011. [MarketWatch] Press Release

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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)

NEW The 2012 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICONN 2012) and the 22nd Australian Conference on Microscopy and Microanalysis (ACMM 22)
February 5-9, 2012
Perth, Australia

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Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies)

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Research and Development Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Post-Doctoral Position: Extracellular Matrix and Tendon Development (Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon)

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Tina Izard Lab) – Cancer Biology (Scripps Florida)

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