Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.23 | Jun 14 2012

Injectable Skeletal Muscle Matrix Hydrogel Promotes Neovascularization and Muscle Cell Infiltration in a Hindlimb Ischemia Model
Scientists aimed to develop a clinically relevant injectable hydrogel derived from decellularized skeletal muscle extracellular matrix and examine its potential for treating peripheral artery disease as a stand-alone therapy by studying the material in a rat hindlimb ischemia model. [Eur Cell Mater] Abstract

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Hydrogels Functionalized with Heparin that Support Controlled Release of Bioactive BMP-2
Scientists compared hyaluronan-based hydrogels formulated to include heparin with similar gels without heparin for their ability to deliver bioactive bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in vitro and in vivo. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Spatial Immobilization of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 in a Collagen-PLGA Hybrid Scaffold for Enhanced Osteoinductivity
Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) was spatially immobilized in a collagen-PLGA hybrid scaffold with a fusion BMP4 composed of an additional collagen-binding domain derived from fibronectin. [Biomaterials] Abstract

NF-κB Accumulation Associated with COL1A1 Transactivators Defects during Chronological Aging Represses Type I Collagen Expression through a -112/-61-bp Region of the COL1A1 Promoter in Human Skin Fibroblasts
Scientists demonstrated that low levels of type I collagen detected in aged skin fibroblasts are attributable to an inhibition of COL1A1 transcription. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Opticin Exerts Its Anti-Angiogenic Activity by Regulating Extracellular Matrix Adhesiveness
Researchers previously discovered that opticin possesses anti-angiogenic activity using a murine oxygen-induced retinopathy model: here, they investigated the underlying mechanism. [J Biol Chem]
Abstract | Full Article 

MMP Proteolysis of the Human Extracellular Matrix Protein Aggrecan Is Mainly a Process of Normal Turnover
The results of this study suggest that MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) are mainly involved in normal aggrecan turnover and might have a less active role in aggrecan degradation during knee injuries and osteoarthritis. [Biochem J] Abstract

Keratin 8/18 Regulation of Cell Stiffness-Extracellular Matrix Interplay through Modulation of Rho-Mediated Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics
The results of this study uncover a keratin 8/18 intermediate filament contribution to the cell stiffness-extracellular matrix rigidity interplay through a modulation of Rho-dependent actin organization and dynamics in simple epithelial cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Improved Throughput Traction Microscopy Reveals Pivotal Role for Matrix Stiffness in Fibroblast Contractility and TGF-β Responsiveness
Researchers demonstrated a pivotal role for matrix mechanical properties in regulating baseline and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) stimulated contraction of lung fibroblasts, and suggested that stiff fibrotic lung tissue may promote myofibroblast activation through contractility-driven events, while normal lung tissue compliance may protect against such feedback amplification of fibroblast activation. [Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol] Abstract

Development and Evaluation of a Decellularized Membrane from Human Dermis
Researchers describe the development of a chemicophysical decellularization method applied to allogenic human-derived dermis (HDM). To evaluate the absence of viable cells and the maintenance of extracellular matrix structure, biological, histological and ultrastructural assessments were performed on the HDM membrane. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Development of Poly(Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Scaffold-Impregnated Small Intestinal Submucosa with Pores that Stimulate Extracellular Matrix Production in Disc Regeneration
Scientists developed porous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds with various pore sizes for nucleus pulposus cell cultures and examined the effects of pore size on cell ingrowth and extracellular matrix synthesis. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] 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

Cardium Announces Plans for Commercializaton of Excellagen® in the Russian Federation
Cardium Therapeutics announced an agreement with Advanced Biosciences Research for the planned commercialization of Cardium’s professional-use Excellagen® topical wound care management product in Russia and the nine additional member countries comprising the Commonwealth of Independent States. [Cardium Therapeutics] Press Release

AMRI Burlington Contracted as Aseptic Fill Manufacturer for Market Introduction of Excellagen® Wound Care Product
Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (AMRI) announced that its Burlington site was contracted by Cardium Therapeutics and its subsidiary, Tissue Repair Company to manufacture sterile pre-filled syringes in support of the U.S. introduction of Excellagen®, a professional-use, formulated collagen-based product for the management of diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and other dermal wounds. [Cardium Therapeutics] Press Release

TeSR™-E8™ and STEMdiff™: New Products to Advance Research on Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
STEMCELL Technologies Inc. announced its plans to release a series of new products to advance research and translational applications for human pluripotent stem cells. [STEMCELL Technologies 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 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR): Tumor Invasion and Metastasis
January 20-23, 2013
San Diego, United States

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the extracellular matrix community.

Scientist – Epithelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – hPSC Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Mesenchymal Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Protein Chemistry/Immuno-Receptor Biology (Genentech)

Postdoctoral Research Position – Molecular Cell Biology (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Temporary Research Associate Position – Extracellular Matrix and Stem Cell Application in Regenerative Medicine (Università di Pisa)

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