Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.18 | May 10 2012

ECM Production of Primary Human and Bovine Chondrocytes in Hybrid PEG Hydrogels Containing Type I Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid
Investigators examined levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) production using various levels of type I collagen and hyaluronic acid in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) dimethacrylate hydrogels in total knee arthroplasties, compared with the results from bovine chondrocytes. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Design of Biomimetic Cell-Interactive Substrates Using Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels with Tunable Mechanical Properties
Researchers established a simple and dependable approach to prepare hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels with controlled stiffness and cell recognition properties for use as cell-interactive substrates. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Derived from Porcine Adipose Tissue as a Xenogeneic Biomaterial for Tissue Engineering
Scientists suggest that decellularized extracellular matrix derived from porcine adipose tissue could be useful as an alternative biomaterial for xenograft tissue engineering. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Cell-Engineered Human Elastic Chondrocytes Regenerate Natural Scaffold In Vitro and Neo-Cartilage with Neo-Perichondrium Post-Transplantation
Using a multilayered culture system supplemented with FGF2, elastic chondrocytes produced an extracellular matrix and exhibited an intercellular network. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Complex Interactions between Human Myoblasts and the Surrounding Three-Dimensional Fibrin-Based Matrix
Researchers characterized cell-matrix interactions in three-dimensional muscle culture and analyzed their consequences on cell differentiation. [PLoS One] Full Article

Polarized Apical-Like Intracellular Sorting and Trafficking Regulates Invadopodia Formation and Degradation of the Extracellular Matrix in Cancer Cells
Scientists hypothesized that invadopodia-dependent extracellular matrix degradation might also rely on lipid raft-dependent polarized transport routes. [Eur J Cell Biol] Abstract

Cysteine-Rich Protein 61 (CCN1) Mediates Replicative Senescence-Associated Aberrant Collagen Homeostasis in Human Skin Fibroblasts
As replicative senescence is a form of cellular aging, researchers utilized replicative senescent dermal fibroblasts to investigate the connection between elevated CCN1 and aberrant collagen homeostasis. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Silk Fibroin Based Biomimetic Artificial Extracellular Matrix for Hepatic Tissue Engineering Applications
Investigators developed a biomimetic artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) for hepatic tissue engineering applications by mimicking the architectural features and biochemical composition of native ECM. [Biomed Mater] Abstract

Influence of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Enhancing Bacterial Adhesion to Titanium Surfaces
Scientists examined the influence of extracellular matrix proteins in enhancing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on titanium surfaces. [J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater] Abstract

TAP Biosystems Collaborates with OU to Develop Biomimetic Three-Dimensional CNS Models – Novel Approach Could Contribute to Reducing Number of Pre-Clinical Animal Studies
TAP Biosystems announced that it is collaborating with scientists at The Open University (OU) to produce robust three-dimensional human central nervous system (CNS) tissue models for use in drug discovery and pre-clinical testing. [TAP Biosystems] Press Release

New Fund Established to Stimulate Regenerative Medicine Industry
Pfizer Canada and the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) have established the Pfizer-CCRM Innovation Fund to accelerate regenerative medicine technologies for drug screening and therapeutic applications. [Marketwire, Incorporated] Press Release

First Fellowships Awarded in New Canadian Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Program
The first two postdoctoral research fellowships of a new program to promote stem cell research in Canada were announced by the program’s sponsors, Canada’s Stem Cell Network and Pfizer. [Stem Cell Network] Press Release

South Korea Steps Up Stem-Cell Work
The South Korean health ministry announced that research into stem cells and regenerative medicine will receive a funding boost of 33 billion won (US $29 million) in 2012, four times that given in 2011. [South Korean Health Ministry, South Korea] 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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