Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.08 | Mar 1 2012

VANGL2 Regulates Membrane Trafficking of MMP14 to Control Cell Polarity and Migration
This study identifies a novel mechanism linking vang-like 2 (VANGL2) with matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) trafficking and suggests that establishment of planar cell polarity in migrating gastrula cells requires regulated proteolytic degradation/remodeling of extracellular matrix. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Compaction Enhances Extracellular Matrix Content and Mechanical Properties of Tissue Engineered Cartilaginous Constructs
Researchers hypothesized that the load-bearing mechanical properties of cartilaginous constructs improves with the inclusion of collagen and proteoglycan during assembly. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Human Platelet-Rich Plasma- and Extracellular Matrix-Derived Peptides Promote Impaired Cutaneous Wound Healing In Vivo
In previous work, researchers described several pro-angiogenic short peptides derived from endothelial extracellular matrices degraded by bacterial collagenase. In this current work, they aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effects of these peptides as well as identification of the cellular receptors mediating these effects. [PLoS One] Abstract | Press Release

CCN2/Connective Tissue Growth Factor Is Essential for Pericyte Adhesion and Endothelial Basement Membrane Formation during Angiogenesis
Although most studies of CCN2 function have focused on effects of CCN2 overexpression on the interstitial extracellular matrix, the results presented here show that CCN2 is required for the normal production of vascular basement membranes. [PLoS One] Abstract

Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol-Collagen-Hydroxyapatite Nanofibers: A Biomimetic Extracellular Matrix for Osteoblastic Cells
In this study polyvinyl alcohol-collagen-hydroxyapatite electrospun nanofibrous meshes were fabricated as a biomimetic bone-like extracellular matrix for the modification of orthopedic prosthetic surfaces. Researchers investigated the morphology, biodegradability, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the prepared nanofibers. [Nanotechnology] Abstract

Sulfatases Are Determinants of Alveolar Formation
Although glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are known to regulate growth factor distribution and activity according to their degree of sulfation the role of sulfated GAG in the respiratory system is not well understood. Here, researchers utilized mice lacking sulfatase-modifying factor 1 to study the importance of proteoglycan desulfation in lung development. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

Remodeling of the Dermal-Epidermal Junction in Bilayered Skin Constructs after Silencing the Expression of the p.R2622Q and p.G2623C Collagen VII Mutants
Researchers demonstrate that switching off the production of the mutant collagen VII chains in skin constructs restores the organization of collagen VII and laminin 332 deposits in the dermal-epidermal junction to the level of control. They also demonstrate that remodeling of collagen IV deposits is not fully effective after silencing the expression of collagen VII mutants. [Connect Tissue Res]  Abstract

Vomaris Innovations, Inc. Names New CEO
Vomaris Innovations, Inc., a leading regenerative medicine company focusing on wound care with bioelectric technology, has named Michael P. Nagel as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. [PR Newswire] Press Release

Lotus Tissue Repair Announces Support of First International Patient Registry for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and Formation of Clinical Advisory Board
Lotus Tissue Repair, Inc. announced that it is providing grants to support the development and maintenance of the first international EB patient-reported registry. [Lotus Tissue Repair, 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 Gordon Research Conferences: Signaling by Adhesion Receptors
June 24-29, 2012
Waterville, 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)

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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