Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.17 | May 3 2012

Nonpolarized Signaling Reveals Two Distinct Modes of 3D Cell Migration
Scientists searched for context-specific modes of three-dimensional (3D) cell migration using imaging for phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate and active Rac1 and Cdc42 in primary fibroblasts migrating within different 3D environments. [J Cell Biol] Abstract

Characterization of Natural, Decellularized and Reseeded Porcine Tooth Bud Matrices
Dental tissue engineering efforts have yet to identify scaffolds that instruct the formation of bioengineered teeth of predetermined size and shape. Researchers investigated whether extracellular matrix molecules present in natural tooth scaffolds can provide insight on how to achieve this goal. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Obstructor-A Is Required for Epithelial Extracellular Matrix Dynamics, Exoskeleton Function and Tubulogenesis
Investigators showed that obstructor-A is required for extracellular matrix dynamics in cuticle forming organs. [J Biol Chem] Full Article

Laminin Interaction with Head and Neck Cancer Cells under Low Fluid Shear Conditions Leads to Integrin Activation and Binding
Researchers showed that head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines are able to bind to laminin, fibronectin, vitronectin, and hyaluronic acid, extracellular matrix elements within the lymph node parenchyma. [J Biol Chem] Full Article

Novel Silk Fibroin/Elastin Wound Dressings
The self-assembly properties of silk fibroin, together with the excellent chemical and mechanical stability and biocompatibility, were combined with elastin protein to produce scaffolds with the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

The Extracellular Matrix and Diffusion Barriers in Focal Cortical Dysplasias
Scientists provided evidence that not only cellular alterations and synaptic transmission, but also changed diffusion properties of the extracellular space, induced by modified extracellular matrix composition and astrogliosis, might be involved in the generation or spread of seizures in focal cortical dysplasias. [Eur J Neurosci] Abstract

Anti-Fibrotic Cardio Protective Efficacy of Aminoguanidine against Streptozotocin Induced Cardiac Fibrosis and High Glucose Induced Collagen up Regulation in Cardiac Fibroblasts
Researchers concluded that the cardio protective anti fibrotic activity of amino guanidine was mainly attributed by exhibiting the inhibitory efficacy against streptozotocin and high glucose induced collagen accumulation probably by inhibiting high glucose altered metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities. [Chem Biol Interact] Abstract

Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Maturation and Further Early Embryo Development of Bovine Oocytes
To investigate the effects of the molecular size and concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) on oocyte maturation and further embryo development, bovine oocytes were matured in vitro in the presence or absence of HA, HA enzyme-2 or 4-methylumbelliferone. [Theriogenology] Abstract

AxoGen, Inc. Initiates Distribution of Avance^® Nerve Graft in Austria
AxoGen, Inc. announced the first commercial shipment of Avance^® Nerve Graft to Austria. The Avance^® Nerve Graft is an innovative option for nerve repair, providing an extracellular matrix for the regeneration of nerves. [AxoGen, Inc.] Press Release

Mecham, Morrow-Howell to Receive 2012 Faculty Achievement Awards
Robert Mecham, PhD and Nancy Morrow-Howell, PhD will receive Washington University’s 2012 faculty achievement awards. [Washington University in St. Louis] Press Release

Chinese Publishers Vow to Cleanse Journals
The China Association for Science and Technology in Beijing has taken the lead among the country’s publishers in trying to clamp down on academic misconduct. [The China Association for Science and Technology, China] 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: Cardiac Remodeling, Signaling, Matrix and Heart Function
April 7-12, 2013
Snowbird, United States

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