Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.33 | Aug 23 2012

Extracellular Matrix Protein Anosmin Promotes Neural Crest Formation and Regulates FGF, BMP, and WNT Activities
Data establish that the matrix protein anosmin is required for cranial neural crest formation, with functional modulation of FGF, BMP, and WNT. [Dev Cell] Abstract

Brefeldin A-Inhibited ADP-Ribosylation Factor Activator 2 (BIG2) Regulates Cell Migration via Integrin β1 Cycling and Actin Remodeling
Scientists revealed mechanisms through which BIG2 may coordinate actin cytoskeleton mechanics and membrane traffic in cell migration via integrin β1 action and actin functions. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Fabrication of Growth Factor- and Extracellular Matrix-Loaded, Gelatin-Based Scaffolds and Their Biocompatibility with Schwann Cells and Dorsal Root Ganglia
Researchers fabricated biodegradable, photocurable gelatin tubes and membranes for exploratory in vitro studies. They found these gelatin membranes allow Schwann cell survival and effectively release growth factors and harbor extracellular matrix components to improve cell survival and neurite growth. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Structure and Properties of Collagen Vitrigel Membranes for Ocular Repair and Regeneration Applications
Collagen vitrigels have previously been developed for corneal reconstruction, but increased transparency and mechanical strength are desired for improved vision and ease of handling. By systematically varying vitrification temperature, relative humidity and time, researchers found the collagen vitrigel synthesis conditions were optimized to yield the best combination of high transparency and high mechanical strength. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Nanopatterning Reveals an ECM Area Threshold for Focal Adhesion Assembly and Force Transmission That Is Regulated by Integrin Activation and Cytoskeleton Tension
To gain further insight on the physical parameters of extracellular matrix (ECM) that control focal adhesion (FA) assembly and force transduction in non-migrating cells, researchers used fibronectin nanopatterning within a cell adhesion-resistant background to establish the threshold area of ECM ligand required for stable FA assembly and force transduction. They also determined whether this adhesive area threshold could be modulated by intracellular pathways known to influence either adhesive force, cytoskeletal tension, or the structural link between the two. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Rat Mammary Extracellular Matrix Composition and Response to Ibuprofen Treatment during Postpartum Involution by Differential GeLC-MS/MS Analysis
Researchers identified novel extracellular matrix (ECM) mediators of breast cancer progression and demonstrated a protective influence of ibuprofen on mammary ECM composition. [J Proteome Res] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Molecules Enhance the Neurotrophic Effect of Schwann Cell-Like Differentiated Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Increase Cell Survival Under Stress Conditions
To assess the influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules on differentiated adipose-derived stem cells (dASCs) neurotrophic activity, dASC were seeded onto ECM-coated culture inserts suspended above dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Regeneration of Mature Dermis by Transplanted Particulate Acellular Dermal Matrix in a Rat Model of Skin Defect Wound
Scientists developed a method for preparing particulate acellular dermal matrix (PADM) in different gauges. The resultant PADM retained ultrastructure and functional molecules of native extracellular matrix. In vivo performances were evaluated after implantation of PADM in an acute full-thickness skin defect wound in rats. [J Mater Sci Mater Med] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix, Integrins, and Growth Factors as Tailors of the Stem Cell Niche
Authors analyzed the relevance of extracellular matrix, integrins and growth factor receptor network in the establishment of stem cell niche, in maintenance of stem cells and in their differentiation. [Curr Opin Cell Biol] Abstract

Into the Matrix: Targeting Fibroblasts in Pulmonary Fibrosis
This review describes the challenges created by the existence of multiple molecular pathways leading to fibrosis and proposes that attention be focused on targeting the fibroblasts and myofibroblasts which themselves produce multiple cytokines and growth factors as well as the extracellular matrix, which is the hallmark of fibrotic lung disease. [Curr Opin Pulm Med] Abstract

National Institutes of Health Awards $64.6 Million Grant to Case Western Reserve, Largest Ever in Northeast Ohio
Case Western Reserve University’s ambitious collaboration to bring medical discoveries to patients has won an extraordinary endorsement: a $64.6 million federal grant that is the largest ever awarded in Northeast Ohio. [Case Western Reserve University] Press Release

CRF Awards $1.6 Million in Grants to 11 Research Projects
Grants totaling more than $1.6 million were awarded by the Cystinosis Research Foundation (CRF) for 11 new research projects seeking to cure cystinosis and advance new treatments for the rare metabolic and fatal disease. The newly funded studies include research focused on corneal cystinosis, muscle wasting and stem cells. [Cystinosis Research Foundation] 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 The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) – 2012 Annual Meeting
December 15-19, 2012
San Francisco, United States

NEW 3rd Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)-Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE) Scientific Conference: Gradient, Interfacial and Spatiotemporal Control of Cells and Tissues
January 2-5, 2013
Waimea, United States

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

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

Assistant Professor – Cell Biology and Physiology (Washington University School of Medicine)

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

Postdoctoral Position – Breast Cancer Cells/Extracellular Matrix Cues (Mount Sinai School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Position – Vascular Biology/Bioengineering (University of Washington)

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