Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.06 | Feb 16 2012

Specific VEGF Sequestering and Release using Peptide-Functionalized Hydrogel Microspheres
Herein, researchers describe the synthesis and characterization of hydrogel microspheres that mimic the ability of the native extracellular matrix to reversibly bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) out of solution. [Biomaterials] Abstract

¹⁸F-FEAnGA for PET of β-Glucuronidase Activity in Neuroinflammation
β-glucuronidase is involved in the hydrolysis of glycosaminoglycans on the cell surface and the degradation of the extracellular matrix. In this study, researchers investigated whether the PET tracer ¹⁸F-FEAnGA was able to detect β-glucuronidase release during neuroinflammation in a rat model of herpes encephalitis. [J Nucl Med] Abstract

Microenvironmental Control of Cell Migration: Myosin IIA Is Required for Efficient Migration in Fibrillar Environments through Control of Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Recent evidence suggests that organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) into aligned fibrils or fibril-like ECM topographies promotes rapid migration in fibroblasts. Here, using one-dimensional (1D) fibrillar migration as a model system for oriented fibrillar 3D matrices, researchers find that fibroblast leading edge dynamics are enhanced by 1D fibrillar micropatterns and demonstrate a dependence on the spatial positioning of cell adhesions. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

BmaC, a Novel Autotransporter of Brucella suis, Is Involved in Bacterial Adhesion to Host Cells
Researchers highlight the role of a novel monomeric autotransporter protein in the adhesion of B. suis to the extracellular matrix and non-phagocytic cells via fibronectin binding. [Cell Microbiol] Abstract

Contractile Equilibration of Single Cells to Step Changes in Extracellular Stiffness
Researchers propose that an initial event in stiffness sensing is establishment of a mechanical equilibrium that balances contraction of the viscoelastic cytoskeleton with deformation of the extracellular matrix. [Biophys J] Abstract

A Genetic Strategy for the Dynamic and Graded Control of Cell Mechanics, Motility, and Matrix Remodeling
Researchers demonstrate that soft extracellular matrices (ECMs) render cells maximally sensitive to changes in RhoA activity, and that by modulating the ability of cells to engage and contract soft ECMs, they can dynamically control cell spreading, migration, and matrix remodeling. [Biophys J] Abstract

An Essential Requirement for β1 Integrin in the Assembly of Extracellular Matrix Proteins within the Vascular Wall
Here researchers showed that deletion of β1 integrin at the onset of smooth muscle differentiation resulted in interrupted aortic arch, aneurysms and failure to assemble extracellular matrix proteins. [Dev Biol] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Alterations in Experimental Leishmania amazonensis Infection in Susceptible and Resistant Mice
The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in the distribution of fibronectin and laminin as well as in the elastic system fibers during the course of infection caused by L. amazonensis in mice with distinct genetic backgrounds of susceptibility to this parasite. [Vet Res] Abstract

Corgenix Automated Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Test Kit Now CE Marked
Corgenix Medical Corporation announced its second generation HA Immmunoturbidimetric Test Kit for use on automated chemistry analyzers has received CE marking for commercialization in Europe. [Corgenix Medical Corporation] Press Release

Community Tissue Services’ Capital Campaign Ends with 1.3 Million Raised
Community Tissue Services announced the end to the ‘Exceeding Expectations Saving Lives’ capital campaign for the Center for Tissue, Innovation and Research. The campaign raised $1.3 million in unrestricted charitable contributions to support the continuing growth of the organization. [Community Tissue Services] 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 Myomatrix 2012: Interaction of the Muscle and the Extracellular Matrix in Development and Dystrophy
April 22-24, 2012
Reno, United States

NEW Joint Meeting of the American Society for Matrix Biology and the Society for Glycobiology
November 11-14, 2012
San Diego, United States

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

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – hPSC (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Antibody and Hybridoma Technology Platforms (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow (Mount Sinai School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Positions (Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, ACSR) 

PhD and Postdoctoral Positions (Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology) 

Postdoctoral Associate – Adult Stem Cell Research (Purdue University) 

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cell Biology (Institute for Systems Biology)

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