Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.05 | Feb 9 2012

Neuropilin-2 Regulates α6β1 Integrin in the Formation of Focal Adhesions and Signaling
Given that neuropilin 2 (NRP2) is induced in breast cancer and correlates with aggressive disease, researchers examined the role of NRP2 in regulating the interaction of breast cancer cells with the ECM. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Characterization of the Heparin Binding Site of Tissue Transglutaminase: Its Importance in the Enzyme′s Cell Surface Targeting, Matrix Deposition and Cell Signaling
A novel regulatory mechanism for tissue transglutaminase (TG2) translocation into the extracellular compartment that depends upon TG2 conformation and the binding of heparan sulphates is proposed. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

Biomimetic Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Based Hydrogels as Scaffolds for Inducing Endothelial Adhesion and Capillary-Like Network Formation
Here, researchers report on the synthesis of extracellular matrix-mimetic poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels for inducing endothelial cell adhesion and capillary-like network formation. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

The Formation and Stability of DC-SIGN Microdomains Require Its Extracellular Moiety
Researchers propose that interactions between the carbohydrate recognition domain of DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing non-integrin) and the extracellular matrix and/or cis interactions with transmembrane scaffolding protein(s) play an essential role in organizing these microdomains. [Traffic] Abstract

Differential Response of Arterial and Venous Endothelial Cells to Extracellular Matrix Is Modulated by Oxygen
Here, researchers tested the hypothesis that anchorage-dependent processes, such as proliferation, viability, survival and actin organization of venous and arterial endothelial cells differently depend on extracellular matrix proteins. [Histochem Cell Biol] Abstract

Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase Activity in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells Promotes Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Limits Embryo Invasion
Researchers’ results demonstrate that histone acetylation disrupts the balance of extracellular matrix modulators provoking a restrain of trophoblast invasion. [PLoS One] Abstract

Tissue Architecture in the Caenorhabditis elegans Gonad Depends on Interactions among Fibulin-1, Type IV Collagen and the ADAMTS Extracellular Protease
The C. elegans ortholog, fibulin-1 (FBL-1), regulates gonad-arm elongation and expansion by acting antagonistically to GON-1, an ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs) family protease. Here researchers report that a dominant mutation in the EMB-9/type IV collagen α1 subunit can compensate for loss of FBL-1 activity in gonadogenesis. [Genetics] Abstract

The Adhering Junctions of Valvular Interstitial Cells: Molecular Composition in Fetal and Adult Hearts and the Comings and Goings of Plakophilin-2 In Situ, in Cell Culture and upon Re-Association with Scaffolds
In order to provide a cell and molecular biological basis for the growth of isolated valvular interstitial cells (VICs) in cell culture and for the use in re-implantation surgery researchers examined VICs in situ and in culture, in fetal, postnatal and adult hearts, in re-associations with scaffolds of extracellular matrix material and decellularized heart valves. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

TAP Biosystems’ Project to Manufacture Three-Dimensional Tissue Equivalents – Develops Potential Cell Therapy for Corneal Surface Disease
TAP Biosystems is pleased to announce that its Technology Strategy Board funded project with UCL scientists has made a significant advance towards developing a tissue-engineered, biomimetic cornea as a therapy. [TAP Biosystems] 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)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research Technologist, Manufacturing Sciences (STEMCELL Technologies)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software)

Postdoctoral Fellow (Mount Sinai School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Positions (Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, ACSR) 

PhD and Postdoctoral Positions (Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology) 

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