Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.45 | Nov 15 2012

Ableson Kinases Negatively Regulate Invadopodia Function and Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Inhibiting an HB-EGF Autocrine Loop
In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, Abl and Arg function downstream of Src to phosphorylate cortactin, promoting invadopodia extracellular matrix degradation activity and thus assigning a pro-invasive role for Ableson kinases. The authors report that Abl kinases have an opposite, negative regulatory role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, where they suppress invadopodia and tumor invasion. [Oncogene] Abstract

Porous Alginate Hydrogel Functionalized with Virus as Three-Dimensional Scaffolds for Bone Differentiation
Researchers present a method of functionalizing highly porous hydrogel with functional groups by mixing the hydrogel with a plant virus, Tobacco mosaic virus, and its mutant. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

Effects of Arg-Gly-Asp-Modified Elastin-Like Polypeptide on Pseudoislet Formation via Up-Regulation of Cell Adhesion Molecules and Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Extracellular matrix plays an important role in controlling the β-cell morphology, survival and insulin secretary functions. An RGD-modified elastin-like polypeptide (RGD-ELP), TGPG[VGRGD(VGVPG)₆]20WPC, has been reported previously as a bioactive matrix. To investigate whether RGD-ELP affects β-cell growth characteristics and insulin secretion, β-TC6 cells were cultured on the RGD-ELP coatings prepared via thermally induced phase transition. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Imbalances between Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in Maternal Serum during Preterm Labor
MMPs are involved in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during pregnancy and parturition. Aberrant ECM degradation by MMPs or an imbalance between MMPs and their TIMPs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preterm labor, however few studies have investigated MMPs or TIMPs in maternal serum. Researchers aimed to determine serum concentrations of MMP-3, MMP-9 and all four TIMPs as well as MMP:TIMP ratios during term and preterm labor. [PLoS One] Full Article

The Plasminogen Activation System Modulates Differently Adipogenesis and Myogenesis of Embryonic Stem Cells
The plasminogen activation (PA) system, comprising the uPA and tPA proteases and their inhibitor PAI-1, is one of the main suppliers of extracellular proteolytic activity contributing to tissue remodeling. Although its function in development is well documented, its precise role in mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation in vitro is unknown. Researchers found that the PA system components are expressed at very low levels in undifferentiated ESCs and that upon differentiation uPA activity is detected mainly transiently, whereas tPA activity and PAI-1 protein are maximum in well differentiated cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 5-Hydroxy, 5-Substituted-Pyrimidine-2,4,6-Triones as Potent Inhibitors of Gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are attractive biological targets that play a key role in many physiopathological processes such as degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, release and cleavage of cell-surface receptors, tumor progression, homeostatic regulation and innate immunity. In this study, a series of 5-hydroxy, 5-substituted pyrimidine-2,4,6-triones were rationally designed, prepared and tested as inhibitors of gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 and collagenase MMP-8. [Eur J Med Chem] Abstract

Lentiviral-Mediated Over-Expression of Hyaluronan Synthase-1 (HAS-1) Decreases the Cellular Inflammatory Response and Results in Regenerative Wound Repair
Researchers found that HAS-1 over-expression promotes dermal regeneration, in part by decreasing the inflammatory response and by recapitulation of fetal extracellular matrix high-molecular-weight hyaluronan content. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

Rigid Matrix Supports Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHED)
To determine whether differentiation of ectomesenchymal dental precursor cells is supported by similar grades of extracellular matrices stiffness, researchers examined the influence of the surface stiffness on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of SHED. [Differentiation] Abstract

Association of Human Mannose Receptor in Sexual Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Serodiscordant Couples
HIV binds specifically to human Mannose Receptor (hMR) on vaginal epithelial cells which are devoid of conventional CD4 receptor. HIV binding to hMR on vaginal epithelial cells induces the production of matrix metalloproteinase 9 leading to degradation of extracellular matrix which may increases the risk of HIV entry into vaginal epithelial cells and further transmission into distal cells. This study found that the presence of hMR in lower numbers of vaginal epithelial cells of Serodiscordant females prevented binding and HIV entry into these cells and therefore prevented sexual transmission of HIV. [AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses] Abstract

Extracellular Matrix Degradation in Liver Fibrosis: Biochemistry and Regulation
This review examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern extracellular matrix degradation and fibrosis resolution, and highlights how manipulation of these processes may result in the development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

The Biology of the Extracellular Matrix: Novel Insights
Extracellular matrix (ECM) has both structural and regulatory roles. This update reviews the representative recent developments in diverse aspects of ECM biology relevant to inflammation, tissue destruction, fibrosis, and regeneration. [Curr Opin Rheumatol] Abstract

Electrospun Synthetic and Natural Nanofibers for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells
Nanofibers are attractive substrates for tissue regeneration applications because they structurally mimic the native extracellular matrix. This review explores the advantageous effects of nanofibers on cell behaviors compared to traditional scaffolds. [Biotechnol J] Abstract

IntelliCell BioSciences Issues Corrected Listing for Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular Based Products
IntelliCell BioSciences, Inc. announced that it has been notified according to the FDA validation registration number 3009842420, that its new facility located at 460 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 is now registered to recover, process, package, store, and label human cells and tissue products such as the IntelliCell autologous stromal vascular fraction cellular product. [PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

Ontario Genomics Institute Invests in Stem Cell Technology at Tissue Regeneration Therapeutics
The Ontario Genomics Institute has invested in Toronto-based Tissue Regeneration Therapeutics (TRT), a company that aims to use umbilical mesenchymal stem cells to treat a variety of serious medical conditions. TRT will use this investment to conduct studies required to apply for approval to initiate human clinical trials. [Ontario Genomics Institute] 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 Gordon Research Conferences: Cell Contact & Adhesion – Intercellular Interactions in Development and Disease
June 1-2, 2013
Lucca (Barga), Italy

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

Scientist or Engineer – hPSC Bioengineer (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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.)

Product Manager – Hematopoietic (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

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

Postdoctoral Position – Matrix Biology (University of Washington)

Research Position – Biomaterials (NUI Galway Ireland)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 55,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Extracellular Matrix News? Click here to submit!

Comments or Suggestions? Email info@connexoncreative.com with your feedback.