Extracellular Matrix News Volume 2.38 | Sep 29 2011

Osteopontin, an Oxidant Stress-Sensitive Cytokine, Up-Regulates Collagen-i via Integrin αVβ3 Engagement and PI3K-pAkt-NFκB Signaling
Osteopontin emerges as a cytokine within the extracellular matrix protein network driving the increase in collagen-I protein contributing to scarring and liver fibrosis. [Hepatology] Abstract

3D Cell Entrapment in Crosslinked Thiolated Gelatin-Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Hydrogels
Researchers sought to understand the effect of crosslinking modality on hydrogel physicochemical properties and the impact on 3D cell entrapment. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Effects of Fibrin Pad Hemostat on the Wound Healing Process In Vivo and In Vitro
The in vitro study results show that Fibrin Pad extract can induce dose-dependent increases in fibroblast proliferation and migration. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Granule Size-Dependent Bone Regenerative Capacity of Octacalcium Phosphate in Collagen Matrix
The present study was designed to determine whether the osteoconductivity of the octacalcium phosphate-collagen (OCP/Col) composite can be improved by controlling the granule size of OCP. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

PS Integrins and Laminins: Key Regulators of Cell Migration during Drosophila Embryogenesis
Researchers show that, as it is the case in vertebrates, integrins, and specifically PS2, contributes to caudal visceral mesoderm movement by participating in the correct assembly of the extracellular matrix that serves as tracks for migration. [PLoS ONE] Abstract

Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) Is a Matrix Scavenger Chaperone
In the present study, researchers demonstrate that SPARC mediates the disassembly and degradation of extracellular matrix networks by functioning as a matricellular chaperone. [PLoS ONE] Abstract

Aligned Electrospun Scaffolds and Elastogenic Factors for Vascular Cell-Mediated Elastic Matrix Assembly
The goal of this study was to determine the effect of different surfaces, i.e. random and aligned electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) meshes and two-dimensional controls, and exogenous elastogenic factors on the cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cell phenotype and production of extracellular matrix. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Contraction-Induced Mmp13 and −14 Expression by Goat Articular Chondrocytes in Collagen Type I but Not Type II Gels
In this study researchers investigated whether the presence of collagen type I or II in gel lattices affects matrix contraction and relative gene expression levels of matrix proteins, MMPs and the subsequent degradation of collagen by goat articular chondrocytes. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Hydroxyapatite/Polylactide Biphasic Combination Scaffold Loaded with Dexamethasone for Bone Regeneration
This study presents a novel design of a ceramic/polymer biphasic combination scaffold that mimics natural bone structures and is used as a bone graft substitute. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

A Novel Tripolymer Coating Demonstrating the Synergistic Effect of Chitosan, Collagen Type 1 and Hyaluronic Acid on Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
In this study, researchers used a tripolymer combination consisting of a natural polymer, chitosan and two extracellular matrix components; collagen type 1 and hyaluronic acid to coat tissue culture plate to evaluate their effect on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract