Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.07 | Feb 23 2012

Long-Term Changes to In Vitro Preserved Bioengineered Human Trachea and Their Implications for Decellularized Tissues
To evaluate potential intrinsic changes and degradation of the extracellular matrix of decellularized human tissue scaffolds, human decellularized tracheas were evaluated over a one year period in vitro. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Biglycan Is an Extracellular MuSK Binding Protein Important for Synapse Stability
Here researchers examine a novel role for the extracellular matrix protein biglycan in synapse stability. [J Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

Ligation of the ^1-5FNI Fibrin-Binding Domain by β-Strand Addition Is Sufficient for Expansion of Soluble Fibronectin
How fibronectin (FN) converts from a compact plasma protein to a fibrillar component of extracellular matrix is not understood. Researchers suggest allosteric loss of constraining interactions among ^1-5FNI, ¹⁰FNIII and ^12-14FNIII likely enables assembly of FN into extracellular fibrils. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase9 Regulates Survival of Neurons in Newborn Hippocampus
The survival of neurons is partly dependent on integrin signaling however a role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in this mechanism was yet to be explored. Here researchers show that levels of the matrix metalloproteinase9 decrease and the level of the ECM protein laminin increases in rat hippocampus during the period of neuronal death. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

The Cell Surface Proteoglycans Syndecan-1 and -4 Bind Overlapping but Distinct Sites in the Laminin α3 LG45 Domain
This is the first study to demonstrate a binding specificity of two proteoglycans produced by a single cell type. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

Evaluation of the Structural Integrity and Extracellular Matrix Components of Tracheal Allografts following Cyclical Decellularization Techniques: Comparison of Three Protocols
This study illustrated that there are significant differences in extracellular matrix composition and resultant structural integrity of decellularized tracheal scaffolds depending on the decellularization protocol. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Hyaluronic Acid Matrices Show Matrix Stiffness in Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Dictates Cytoskeletal Order and Myosin-II Phosphorylation within Stem Cells
A matrix elasticity (E)-series of two distinct types of hydrogels are ligand-functionalized here with non-fibrous collagen and used to elucidate wide-ranging cell and cytoskeletal responses to E in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional matrix geometries. [Integr Biol] Abstract

The Application of Tissue Engineering in Reversing Mitomycin C-Induced Ischemic Conjunctiva
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the angiogenic potential of collagen-glycosaminoglycan matrices in mitomycin C-induced ischemic conjunctival defect, in New Zealand white rabbits. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Innocoll Announces Successful End-of-Phase II Meeting with FDA for XaraColl® and Agreement of the Phase III Program
Innocoll, Inc. announced that it has held an End-of-Phase II meeting with the FDA to present the results of the Phase 2 clinical studies completed for XaraColl^®, a biodegradable and fully resorbable collagen/bupivacaine matrix, and to discuss the proposed safety and efficacy studies to be conducted in Phase III. [Innocoll, Inc.] Press Release

UCLB Patented Technology Used to Develop a Potential New Treatment for Corneal Surface Disease
Researchers at University College London (UCL) have made a significant advance towards developing a treatment for Corneal Surface Disease, using RAFT^TM; a UCL Business (UCLB) patented technology licensed to Tap Biosystems. [University College London Business] Press Release

Baxter Completes Acquisition of Synovis
Baxter International Inc. announced that the company has completed its planned acquisition of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc., following approval of the transaction by Synovis shareholders. The acquisition expands Baxter’s regenerative medicine and BioSurgery franchise by adding biological and mechanical products from Synovis used for soft tissue repair and microsurgery in a variety of surgical procedures. [Baxter International 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 Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology: Regenerative Tissue Engineering and Transplantation
April 1-6, 2012
Breckenridge, United States

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Proteoglycans
July 8-13, 2012
Andover, 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 Bioengineering (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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