Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.09 | Mar 8 2012

Abnormal Bone Quality in COMP and Matrilin-3 Double Deficient Mice Caused by Increased TIMP-3 Deposition and Delayed Aggrecan Degradation
Given the similar function of COMP and matrilin-3 in the assembly and stabilization of the extracellular matrix, it should be determined if these proteins can functionally compensate for each other. To assess this putative redundancy researchers generated COMP/matrilin-3 double deficient mice and performed an in-depth analysis of their skeletal development. [Arthritis Rheum] Abstract

The Cartilage Matrix Molecule Components Produced by Human Fetal Cartilage Rudiment Cells within Scaffolds and the Role of Exogenous Growth Factors
This study examined the matrix components elaborated by cultured fetal cartilage rudiment cells, a mixture of chondroblasts/chondroprogenitor cells and committed chondrocytes, in monolayer, cell pellet cultures and in the synthetic scaffolds sodium alginate and polyglycolic acid. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Chondrogenesis in a Tunable Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Microenvironment
In this study, hyaluronic acid-tyramine hydrogels were explored as biomimetic matrices for caprine mesenchymal stem cells in cartilage tissue engineering. [Biomaterials] Abstract

The Effects of the Modulation of the Fibronectin-Binding Capacity of Fibrin by Thrombin on Osteoblast Differentiation
In this study, researchers provide evidence that thrombin engaged with fibrin accelerates osteoblast differentiation via integrins but not protease-activated receptor 1 by modulating the fibronectin-binding capacity of fibrin. [Biomaterials] Abstract

The Non-Coding 3’UTR of CD44 Induces Metastasis by Regulating Extracellular Matrix Functions
Genes encoding the extracellular matrix normally produce large mRNA transcripts including the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). Researchers hypothesized that the increased expression of the CD44 3’UTR affected microRNA binding and modulated synthesis of the extracellular matrix. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Secreted by Reactive Stroma Is a Main Inducer of Pro-Tumorigenic Features on LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cells
Using in vitro functional assays, researchers demonstrated that extracellular matrix strongly stimulated LNCaP cell proliferation and migration, while inhibiting apoptosis, and inducing a deregulated expression pattern of several genes related to prostate cancer progression. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Rat Tail Static Compression Model Mimics Extracellular Matrix Metabolic Imbalances of Matrix Metalloproteinases, Aggrecanases, and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
The longitudinal degradation mechanism of extracellular matrix in the intervertebral disc remains unclear. Researchers’ objective was to elucidate catabolic and anabolic gene expression profiles and their balances in intervertebral disc degeneration using a static compression model. [Arthritis Res Ther] Abstract

Preparation and Characterization of Decellularized Tendon Slices for Tendon Tissue Engineering
To develop a naturally derived tendon tissue engineering scaffold with the preservation of the native ultrastructure, tensile strength, and biochemical composition of the tendon extracellular matrix, decellularized tendon slices were prepared using repetitive freeze/thaw of the intact Achilles tendons, frozen section, and nuclease treatment. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Halozyme’s Ultrafast Insulin Formulations Improved Postprandial Glycemic Control in Patients Living with Type 1 Diabetes: Phase II Study Results
Data from the Phase II study indicated that the Company’s recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme reduced postprandial glycemic excursions, as well as significantly reduced hypoglycemic events. [Press release from Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. discussing research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 72^nd Scientific Sessions, Philadelphia] Press Release

Interim Data From Pre-administration of Hylenex in Analog Insulin Pump Therapy Demonstrate Consistent Insulin Action Profile
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. presented results from a Phase IV study of Hylenex® recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection) in sensor augmented insulin analog pump (SAP) therapy in patients living with Type 1 diabetes. [Press release from Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. discussing research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 72^nd Scientific Sessions, Philadelphia] Press Release

Alliance for Advanced Therapies to Officially Launch at BIO-Europe Spring^® 2012
EBD Group announced that the Alliance for Advanced Therapies (AAT) will launch at the BIO-Europe Spring^® 2012 partnering event. The ATT is a new organization devoted to supporting cell therapy, regenerative medicine and other potentially life-saving advanced therapeutics in Europe. [EBD Group AG] 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 Conference – Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development & Disease
May 13-18, 2012
Les Diablerets, Switzerland

NEW Gordon Research Conference – Barriers of the Central Nervous System (CNS)
June 17-22, 2012
New London, 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 Fellow – Cell Biology (Institute for Systems Biology)

Postdoctoral Fellow (Medical Research Council) 

Postdoctoral Position (Thomas Jefferson University)

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