Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.37 | Sep 20 2012

The Promotion of HL-1 Cardiomyocyte Beating Using Anisotropic Collagen-GAG Scaffolds
Biomaterials for myocardial tissue engineering must balance structural, mechanical and bioactivity concerns. Researchers described the interaction between HL-1 cardiomyocytes and a series of geometrically anisotropic collagen-GAG scaffolds with aligned tracks of ellipsoidal pores designed to mimic elements of the native geometric anisotropy of cardiac tissue. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Amyloid Inspired Self-Assembled Peptide Nanofibers
Designing bioinspired self-assembling peptides is essential to generate new forms of hierarchical nanostructures. Scientists present oppositely charged amyloid inspired peptides, which rapidly self-assemble into nanofibers at pH 7 upon mixing in water caused by noncovalent interactions. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Extra-Cellular Matrix Protein Adsorption to Phosphate-Functionalized Gels from Serum Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Scientists determined whether direct or indirect cell/materials interactions were responsible for directing human mesenchymal stem cells down the osteogenic lineage on phosphate functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Native Type IV Collagen Induces an Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition-Like Process in Mammary Epithelial Cells MCF10A
The role of native type IV collagen (Col IV) on the epithelial to mesenchymal transition process in human mammary epithelial cells remains to be investigated. Scientists discovered that native Col IV induces down-regulation of E-cadherin expression, accompanied with an increase of Snail1, Snail2 and Sip1 transcripts. [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] Abstract

Recapitulating Tumor Microenvironment in Chitosan-Gelatin Three-Dimensional Scaffolds: An Improved In Vitro Tumor Model
An extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking three-dimensional scaffold based on chitosan and gelatin was fabricated and explored for its potential as a tumor model for lung cancer. It was demonstrated that chitosan-gelatin scaffolds supported the formation of tumoroids that were similar to tumors grown in vivo for factors involved in tumor-cell-ECM interaction, invasion and metastasis, and response to anti-cancer drugs. [J R Soc Interface] Abstract

β3 Integrin in Cardiac Fibroblast Is Critical for Extracellular Matrix Accumulation during Pressure Overload Hypertrophy in Mouse
The adhesion receptor β3 integrin regulates diverse cellular functions in various tissues. As β3 integrin has been implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling, researchers explored the role of β3 integrin in cardiac fibrosis by using wild type and β3 integrin null mice for in vivo pressure overload and in vitro primary cardiac fibroblast phenotypic studies. [PLoS One] Full Article

Site Specific Cleavage Mediated by MMPs Regulates Function of Agrin
Site-specific processing of Agrin provides key insight into regulatory effects of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The authors present a detailed study of agrin processing by different MMPs together with a molecular understanding of binding and cleavage at both terminal fragments. [PLoS One] Full Article

Functional 3-D Cardiac Co-Culture Model Using Bioactive Chitosan Nanofiber Scaffolds
Current cardiac tissue models are not yet able to stably maintain functional characteristics of cardiomyocytes for long-term culture and therapeutic purposes. Researchers aimed to fabricate bioactive 3-dimensional (3-D) chitosan nanofiber scaffolds using an electrospinning technique and exploring its potential for long-term cardiac function in the 3-D co-culture model. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract

The Invasion Mode of GH3 Cells Is Conditioned by Collagen Subtype, and Its Efficiency Depends on Cell-Cell Adhesion
The adaptation of GH3 cells to different microenvironments is a consequence of a partial compromise with the tumor phenotype. Results showed the importance of collagen subtypes in determining the migratory strategy: collagen I/III favors mesenchymal-like motility, whereas collagen type IV induces an ameboid-type displacement. [Arch Biochem Biophys] Abstract

Differential Expression of Extracellular Matrix-Related Genes in Rare variants of Meningioma
The authors evaluated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, galectin-3, fibronectin, and collagen IV in a series of those rare variants of meningioma and verified their clinicopathologic significance. [Human Pathol] Abstract

Nanomaterials Design and Tests for Neural Tissue Engineering
Nanostructured scaffolds recently showed great promise in tissue engineering: nanomaterials can be tailored at the molecular level and scaffold morphology may more closely resemble features of extracellular matrix components in terms of porosity, framing and biofunctionalities. This review provides a critical overview of the recent advances in and drawbacks and potential of nanomaterial design contributing to the realization of effective nanotech-based therapies for the regeneration of peripheral nerve transections, spinal cord injuries and brain traumatic injuries. [Chem Soc Rev] Abstract

Fibronectin and Stem Cell Differentiation- Lessons from Chondrogenesis
The authors discuss how changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and mechanical properties can affect cell shape and stem cell differentiation. Using chondrogenic differentiation as a model, they examined the changes in the ECM that occur before and during mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Regeneration in Heart Disease- Is ECM the Key?
One of the extensively studied areas in heart disease is extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, with both the composition and mechanical properties of the ECM undergoing changes in diseased hearts. This review explores the influence of ECM properties on cardiomyogenesis and adult cardiac progenitor cells. [Life Sci] Abstract

Alphatec Spine Releases Alphatec NEXoss(TM) Nanostructure Bio-Active Matrix and Announces the First Patient Implant
Alphatec Holdings, Inc. announced the first clinical use of Alphatec NEXoss, a next generation synthetic bone graft indicated for use in posterolateral spine fusions in conjunction with bone marrow aspirate, autograft bone and appropriate hardware. Alphatec NEXoss is composed of two unique patented technologies. The first is an engineered extracellular collagen bioscaffold that provides a physical structure for cell infiltration and attachment. The second is osteoconductive nano-structured bone crystals that have similar composition, structure and size as human bone. [Alphatec Holdings, Inc.] Press Release

State Stem Cell Research Funding Agency Awards $37.3 Million to Aid UC Irvine Efforts
Efforts to begin human clinical trials using stem cells to treat Alzheimer’s disease and retinitis pigmentosa received a $37.3 million boost from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. University of California (UC) Irvine scientists will be part of two research teams garnering California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Disease Team Therapy Development Awards, which are designed to accelerate collaborative translational research leading to human clinical trials. [University of California, Irvine] Press Release

European Union Battles Over Research Billions
Tens of billions of euros are at stake as negotiations ramp up to shape Europe’s next seven-year research program. The discussions will cover familiar divisions over applied versus basic research and conflicting national agendas, but the continent’s ongoing financial problems will add an extra measure of anxiety. [European Commission, European Union] Press Release

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October 24-26, 2012
Philadelphia, United States

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