Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.36 | Sep 13 2012

An Ex Vivo Model Employing Keloid-Derived Cell-Seeded Collagen Sponges for Therapy Development
The most distinctive feature of keloid is the extreme deposition of extracellular matrix, including collagens and proteoglycans (PGs). The focus of this study was the PG versican, which defines keloid volume because of its ability to retain large amounts of water through its component glycosaminoglycans. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Bacterial Cellulose-Collagen Nanocomposite for Bone Tissue Engineering
A nanocomposite based on bacterial cellulose (BC) and type I collagen was evaluated for in vitro bone regeneration. BC membranes were modified by glycine esterification followed by cross-linking of type I collagen employing 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide. [J Mater Chem] Abstract

Combination of MEK-ERK Inhibitor and Hyaluronic Acid Has a Synergistic Effect on Anti-Hypertrophic and Pro-Chondrogenic Activities in Osteoarthritis Treatment
Investigators hypothesized that a potentially disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug such as hyaluronic acid given in combination with anti-inflammatory signaling agents such as mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK-ERK) signaling inhibitor could result in additive or synergistic effects on preventing the degeneration of articular cartilage. [J Mol Med] Abstract

CsrRS and Environmental pH Regulate Group B Streptococcus Adherence to Human Epithelial Cells and Extracellular Matrix
Scientists found that inactivation of the CsrRS two component system increased group B Streptococcus adherence to epithelial cells derived from human vaginal, cervical, and respiratory epithelium as well as increased adherence to extracellular matrix proteins and increased biofilm formation on polystyrene. [Infect Immun] Abstract

The Application of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels to Retinal Progenitor Cell Transplantation
Researchers described the use of hyaluronic acid based hydrogels to encapsulate mouse retinal progenitor cells and a delivery system for injectable tissue engineering. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Aligned Nanofibrillar Collagen Regulates Endothelial Organization and Migration
Scientists examined the effect of nanoscale matrix anisotropy on endothelial cell organization and migration for vascular tissue engineering applications. [Regen Med] Abstract

Colony Organization in the Green Alga Botryococcus braunii Is Specified by a Complex Extracellular Matrix
Investigators used quick-freeze deep-etch electron microscopy and biochemical/histochemical analysis to elucidate many new features of B. braunii cell/colony organization and composition. [Eukaryot Cell] Abstract

MicroRNA-7 Down-Regulation Mediates Excessive Collagen Expression in Localized Scleroderma
Localized scleroderma (LSc) is characterized by skin fibrosis due to an excessive deposition of type I collagen. Researchers investigated the mechanism of fibrosis seen in LSc, focusing on microRNA. [Arch Dermatol Res] Abstract

Increasing Extracellular Matrix Collagen Level and MMP Activity Induces Cyst Development in Polycystic Kidney Disease
Scientists examined the role of type I collagen and membrane bound type 1 metalloproteinase (MMP) on cyst development using both in vitro three dimensional collagen gel culture and in vivo PCK rat model of olycystic kidney disease. [BMC Nephrol] Abstract | Full Article

STEMSOFT Welcomes New EMEA Sales Director
STEMSOFT Software Inc. (STEMSOFT), the leading provider of software solutions for the cell therapy and transplant community, is pleased to welcome Isabel Feys on board as the new Director of Sales for the EMEA area. [STEMSOFT Software Inc.] Press Release

VitroGro^® ECM Global Commercialization Update
Tissue Therapies Limited has released a presentation as an updated and expanded summary of the current global commercialization plans for VitroGro^® extracellular matrix (ECM). [Tissue Therapies Limited]
Press Release

Obama and Romney Tackle 14 Top Science Questions
Scientific American partnered with grassroots organization ScienceDebate.org to encourage the two main presidential candidates – Barack Obama and Mitt Romney – to answer 14 questions on some of the biggest scientific and technological challenges facing the nation. [Presidential Candidates, United States]
Press Release

U.K. Devotes £10 Million to Open Access Shift
Following up on recommendations to make more research freely available to scientists and the public, the U.K. government pledged £10 million toward making scientific papers open access. [U.K. Government, United Kingdom] Press Release

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NEW 2012 International Forum on Stem Cells
November 1-3, 2012
Tianjin, China

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

Quality Control Operations Coordinator (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 – Mesenchymal Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

Research Associate – Quality Assurance (University of California)

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

PhD Position(s) – Cell-Matrix Interaction for Angiogenesis (KU Leuven)

Postdoctoral Position(s) – Extracellular Matrix and Stem Cell Niche Biology (RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology)

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