Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.38 | Sep 27 2012

Calpain-1 Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Activity in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Facilitates Age-Associated Aortic Wall Calcification and Fibrosis
Angiotensin II induces both matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and calpain-1 expression and activity in the arterial wall. However, the role of calpain-1 in MMP2 activation and extracellular matrix remodeling remains unknown. Overexpression of calpain-1 induces MMP2 transcripts, protein levels, and activity, in part, by increasing the ratio of membrane type 1 MMPs to tissue inhibitor of MMP2. [Hypertension] Abstract

Hyaluronic Acid Modified Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery to CD44-Overexpressing Cancer Cells
A targeted drug delivery system was developed based on hyaluronic acid (HA) modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). HA-MSNs possess specific affinity to CD44 over expressed on the surface of a specific cancer cell line, HCT-116. [Nanoscale] Abstract

Long-Term Three-Dimensional Neural Tissue Cultures in Functionalized Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels, Matrigel and Collagen I
Scientists present the encapsulation of neural stem cells into peptide nanofiber hydrogel scaffolds. Previous studies showed that neural cells in peptide hydrogels thrive for at least five months. In contrast, neural stem cells encapsulated in collagen I were poorly differentiated and did not migrate significantly. For culture periods of 1-2 weeks, neural stem cells proliferated and differentiated better in Matrigel. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Adipogenesis Using Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells Combined with a Collagen/Gelatin Sponge Sustaining Release of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor
The authors evaluated adipogenesis using collagen/gelatin sponges (CGSs) disseminated with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs). They found that CGSs impregnated with basic fibroblast growth factor could be used as scaffolds with ASCs for adipogenesis. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Multifunctional Surfaces with Biomimetic Nanofibres and Drug-Eluting Micro-Patterns for Infection Control and Bone Tissue Formation
For long-term orthopaedic implants, the creation of a surface that is repulsive to bacteria while adhesive to tissue cells represents a promising strategy to control infection. To obtain such surfaces, two approaches were explored to incorporate rifampicin (Rf), into the osteogenic polycaprolactone (PCL)/chitosan biomimetic nanofibre meshes by (1) blending Rf into the electrospinning solutions and then electrospinning into nanofibres, or (2) depositing Rf-containing poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid micro-patterns onto the PCL/chitosan nanofibre meshes via ink-jet printing. [Eur Cells Mater] Abstract | Full Article

Preparation and Characterization of Collagen-Nanohydroxyapatite Biocomposite Scaffolds by Cryogelation Method for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications
Recent efforts of bone repair focus on development of porous scaffolds for cell adhesion and proliferation. Collagen-nanohydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds were produced by cryogelation technique using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide as crosslinking agents. The presence of collagen-nanoHA biocomposites resulted in higher overall cellular proliferation compared to pure collagen scaffold. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Water-Stable Electrospun Collagen Fibers from a Non-Toxic Solvent and Crosslinking System
Collagen scaffolds have to be modified by techniques crosslinking to overcome the limitations in strength and stability. The authors developed a benign ethanol-water solvent system and an extender-aided citric acid (CA) crosslinking method. Cells exhibited better attachment and growth on the CA crosslinked collagen fibers than on the glutaraldehyde crosslinked scaffolds. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Enhancing Guided Tissue Regeneration of Periodontal Defects by Using a Novel Perforated Barrier Membrane
Investigators determined whether exclusion of the gingival connective tissue and periosteum with contained stem cells has a positive or negative effect on periodontal regeneration by comparing the use of a novel modified perforated collagen membrane with a traditional cell occlusive barrier membrane. [J Periodont] Abstract

Matrigel Basement Membrane Matrix Influences Expression of MicroRNAs in Cancer Cell Lines
While microRNA (miRNA) profiles of numerous cell lines cultured on plastic have been reported, the influence of Matrigel-based culture on cancer cell miRNA expression is largely unknown. Researchers investigated the influence of Matrigel on the expression of miRNAs that might facilitate extracellular matrix-associated cancer cell growth. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Illustration of Extensive Extracellular Matrix at the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interface within the Renal Stem/Progenitor Cell Niche
Stem/progenitor cells are promising candidates to treat diseased renal parenchyma. However, implanted stem/progenitor cells are exposed to a harmful atmosphere of degenerating parenchyma. To minimize hampering effects after an implantation, investigations are in progress to administer these cells within an artificial polyester interstitum supporting survival. Researchers analyzed the extracellular matrix in this particular interstitium, using special contrasting for transmission electron microscopy. [BMC Clinical Pathology] Abstract | Full Article

Dyax Corp. and Kadmon Sign Strategic Licensing Agreement for DX-2400
Dyax Corp. and Kadmon Corporation, LLC announced that they have entered into a strategic licensing agreement in which Kadmon has been granted an exclusive worldwide license for the development and commercialization of the fully human monoclonal antibody DX-2400, a potent and selective antibody inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 14. [Dyax Corp.] Press Release

RBCC Explores NASA Technology in Stem Cell Search
Rainbow Biosciences, the biotech subsidiary of Rainbow Coral Corp. (RBCC), announced that it is exploring the possible use of micro-gravity technology developed by NASA to produce three-dimensional adult stem cells for medical research purposes. [Business Wire] 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 Stem Cells and Developmental Mechanisms
December 3-7, 2012
Suzhou, China

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