Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.42 | Oct 25 2012

The Influence of Specific Binding of Collagen-Silk Chimeras to Silk Biomaterials on hMSC Behavior
To explore the potential of collagen-silk chimera for regulating biological activity, integrin and fibronectin binding sequences from mammalian collagens were introduced into the Streptococcus pyogenes collagen domain. The attachment of bioactive collagen-silk chimeras to solid silk biomaterials promoted hMSC spreading and proliferation substantially in comparison to the controls. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Alginate Hydrogel Has a Negative Impact on In Vitro Collagen 1 Deposition by Fibroblasts
Hydrogels have been widely investigated as 3D culture substrates, because of their reported structural similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Limited ECM deposition, however, occurs within these materials, so the resulting ‘tissues’ bear little resemblance to those found in the body. Here scientists investigated matrix deposition by fibroblasts encapsulated within a calcium alginate hydrogel. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Organized Nanofibrous Scaffolds that Mimic the Macroscopic and Microscopic Architecture of the Knee Meniscus
Researchers developed a novel electrospinning method to produce scaffolds composed of circumferentially aligned nanofibers, quantified their structure and mechanics, and compared them to traditional linearly aligned scaffolds. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

HSP70 Increases Extracellular Matrix Production by Human Vascular Smooth Muscle through TGF-β1 Up-Regulation
The authors hypothesized that extracellular heat shock protein (HSP)70 could interact with smooth muscle cells, inducing transforming growth factor type-β1 (TGF-β1) synthesis and subsequent changes in the vascular extracellular matrix. [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] Abstract

Effectiveness of Nanometer-Sized Extracellular Matrix Layer-by-Layer Assembled Films for Cell Membrane Coating in Protecting the Cells from Physical Stress
Damage to cell membranes can cause leakage of cytosol molecules or sometimes cell death. The authors evaluated the effectiveness of layer-by-layer films prepared on cell membranes in protecting cells from physical stresses. [Langmuir] Abstract

Transient Soft-Tissue Edema Associated with Implantation of Increasing Doses of rhBMP-2 on an Absorbable Collagen Sponge in an Ectopic Rat Model
Investigators examined soft-tissue edema associated with increasing secombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) doses with implantation on an absorbable collagen sponge and with injection directly into muscle. [J Bone Joint Surg Am] Abstract

Decellularized Ear Tissues as Scaffolds for Stem Cell Differentiation
Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) has been used as a mechanical and biochemical scaffold for the induction of stem and other cells toward a target tissue phenotype. Scientists report the decellularization of the cochlea and identification of remaining laminin and collagen type IV as a first step in preparing an ECM scaffold for directing stem cells toward an auditory lineage. [J Assoc Res Otolaryngol] Abstract

Effect of BDNF-Plasma-Collagen Matrix Controlled Delivery System on the Behavior of Adult Rats Neural Stem Cells
The behavior of neural stem cells from the spinal cord of adult rats was compared at the neurosphere level after the respective addition of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) daily, the BDNF-loaded plasma-collagen matrix, the plasma-collagen matrix alone, or the defined medium alone. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Electrospinning Collagen/Chitosan/Poly(L-lactic acid-co-ϵ-caprolactone) to Form a Vascular Graft: Mechanical and Biological Characterization
An elastic material of poly (L-lactic acid-co-ϵ-caprolactone), collagen and chitosan blended scaffold at different ratios were fabricated by electrospinning. The scaffolds were evaluated to determine the tensile strength, burst pressure, and dynamic compliance. In addition, the contact angle and endothelial cell proliferation on the scaffolds were evaluated to demonstrate the structures potential to serve as a vascular prosthetic capable of in situ regeneration. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Use of a Collagen Membrane Loaded with Collagen-Targeting Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 for Vertical Guided Bone Regeneration
Investigators aimed to use a rabbit vertical guided bone regeneration model to evaluate whether using a collagen membrane loaded with small doses of collagen-targeting recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 would enhance two-way vertical bone regeneration. [J Periodontol] Abstract

Association Establishes the AABB Center for Cellular Therapies
AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) has established the AABB Center for Cellular Therapies, a functional unit within AABB that will focus on activities designed to foster patient safety and responsible innovation in the cellular therapy and regenerative medicine field. [AABB] Press Release

NIH-CRM Awards Cellular Dynamics up to $7 Million to Produce Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Differentiated Tissue Cells
The National Institutes of Health Center for Regenerative Medicine (NIH-CRM) has awarded Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. a contract to provide human induced pluripotent stem cell lines and terminally differentiated tissue cells from normal or specified patient populations. The contract is worth up to $7.0 million for the three year life of the agreement. [Cellular Dynamics, Inc.] Press Release

Australian Research Grants Escape Government Cutbacks
Australia’s research grants have been left untouched in mid-year spending adjustments aimed at maintaining a budget surplus. But scientists are not entirely happy with the figures announced: over the next four years, the government has removed some A$499 million from funds that help universities meet the overhead costs of research, such as equipment and infrastructure. [Australian Science Minister, Australia] 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 Workshop on Approval and Commercialization of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products in Europe
November 15, 2012
Berlin, Germany

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Quality Control Operations Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Product Quality Scientist (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

Research Technologist – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

Product Manager – Hematopoietic (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Quality Assurance (University of California) 

Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix Proteins (City University of Hong Kong)

Postdoctoral Position – Extracellular Matrix Proteoglycans and Enzymes (University of Northern BC)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering/Stem Cell (Sunybrook Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Position – Drug delivery, Nanotechnology, and Biomaterials (University of Michigan)

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