Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.29 | Jul 26 2012

The R-Ras/RIN2/Rab5 Complex Controls Endothelial Cell Adhesion and Morphogenesis via Active Integrin Endocytosis and Rac Signaling
Investigators suggest the ability of R-Ras-GTP to convert RIN2 from a guanine nucleotide exchange factor to an adaptor that preferentially binds Rab5-GTP, allows the triggering of the endocytosis of extracellular matrix-bound/active β1 integrins and the ensuing funneling of R-Ras-GTP toward early endosomes to elicit the pro-adhesive and TIAM1-mediated activation of Rac1. [Cell Res] Full Article

Effect of Bone Marrow-Derived Extracellular Matrix on Cardiac Function after Ischemic Injury
Motivated by the role of bone marrow extracellular matrix (BM-ECM) in supporting the proliferation and regulation of cell populations, scientists investigated BM-ECM injection in myocardial repair. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Matrix Metalloprotease 8-Dependent Extracellular Matrix Cleavage at the Blood-CSF Barrier Contributes to Lethality during Systemic Inflammatory Diseases
Scientists report that matrix metalloprotease-8 (MMP8) depletion or inhibition protects mice from death and hypothermia in sepsis and renal ischemia/reperfusion. They suggest this effect could be attributed to MMP8-dependent leakage of the blood-CSF barrier, caused by collagen cleavage in the extracellular matrix of choroid plexus cells, which leads to a dramatic change in cellular morphology. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Integrin β5 Contributes to the Tumorigenic Potential of Breast Cancer Cells through the Src-Focal Adhesion Kinase and MEK-Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling Pathways
Scientists investigated the role of integrin β5 in breast carcinomas by depleting integrin β5 using RNA interference and reexpression of integrin β5. [Oncogene] Abstract

Self-Assembled Extracellular Macromolecular Matrices and Their Different Osteogenic Potential with Preosteoblasts and Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Investigators demonstrated that a combination of factors shape a unique cellular microenvironment, which serves as a physical cue toward the osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Recruitment of Dental Pulp Cells by Dentine and Pulp Extracellular Matrix Components
The results indicate that extracellular matrix molecules contribute to cell recruitment necessary for regeneration of the dentine-pulp complex after injury. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

TNF-α Inhibits TGF-β-Stimulated Myofibroblastic Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Production in Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Scientists evaluated whether TGF-β1 and TNF-α modulate myofibroblastic differentiation and the production of extracellular matrix components. [J Periodontol] Abstract

Red Blood Cell Lysate Modulates the Expression of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Dermal Fibroblasts
Researchers provide evidence that red blood cells play an important role in modulation of key extracellular matrix components such as type-I collagen, α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and matrix metalloproteinases. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract

Derma Sciences Announces Issuance of Two New U.S. Patents for DSC127
Derma Sciences, Inc. announced the issuance of patents 8,207,233 and 8,207,234 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. These patents provide additional intellectual property protection for the Company’s investigational drug DSC127 by describing the angiotensin peptide in a specific formulation. [Derma Sciences, Inc.] Press Release

Histogenics Closes $49 Million Series A Fundraising to Support Commercial Development of Transformational Cartilage Repair Products
Histogenics Corporation announced the completion of a $49 million round of financing. Proceeds will be used to complete the ongoing Phase III clinical program for lead product candidate NeoCart^®. Funds will also support efforts to obtain regulatory clearance in the European Union for product candidate VeriCart™, a cell-free collagen scaffold uniquely designed to be used in conjunction with the patient’s own stem cells, to repair small cartilage defects. [Histogenics Corporation] Press Release

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NEW The 2nd Midwest Conference on Stem Cell Biology and Therapy
October 5-7, 2012
Rochester, United States

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Quality Control Operations Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Contract Assay Services (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Media Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Research and Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientific Communications & Publishing Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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.)

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

Assistant Professor – Cell and Extracellular Matrix Research (University of Oulu)

Professor – Molecular Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interplay (University of Oulu)

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