Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.48 | Dec 6 2012

Chemotactic Recruitment of Adult Neural Progenitor Cells into Multifunctional Hydrogels Providing Sustained SDF-1α Release and Compatible Structural Support
Without chemotactic cues and structural support, cavitary brain lesions typically fail to recruit endogenous neural progenitor cells. Toward resolving this, the authors engineered multifunctional biomaterials comprising injectable gelatin-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid hydrogels and dextran sulfate/chitosan polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles that delivered stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α). [FASEB J] Abstract

Rap1 Can Bypass the FAK-Src-Paxillin Cascade to Induce Cell Spreading and Focal Adhesion Formation
Researchers investigated cell spreading induced by activation of the small GTPase, Rap1. After replating and initial adhesion, unstimulated cells exhibited extensive protrusion and retraction as their spread area increased, and displayed an angular shape that was remodeled over time. [PLoS One] Full Article

PLLA-Collagen and PLLA-Gelatin Hybrid Scaffolds with Funnel-Like Porous Structure for Skin Tissue Engineering
Hybrid scaffolds were prepared by forming funnel-like collagen or gelatin sponge on a woven poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) mesh. The hybrid scaffolds combined the advantages of both collagen or gelatin and PLLA mesh. [Sci Technol Adv Mater] Abstract | Press Release

Processed Xenogenic Cartilage as Innovative Biomatrix for Cartilage Tissue Engineering: Effects on Chondrocyte Differentiation and Function
The authors developed a decellularization and sterilization process that maintains the three-dimensional collagen structure of native septal cartilage while increasing matrix porosity, which is considered to be crucial for cartilage tissue engineering. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 Lead to Fibronectin Degradation in Astroglia Infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Astroglia were infected with the TS-4 strain of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite in vitro to investigate the changes of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and their substrate fibronectin. [Acta Trop] Abstract

Collagen-Nanofiber Hydrogel Composites Promote Contact Guidance of Human Lymphatic Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Directed Capillary Tube Formation
Growth, migration, elongation, and tube formation of human lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells were investigated on electrospun poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly(l-lactic-co-d-lactic acid) nanofiber-coated substrates, and correlated with fiber density and diameter. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

Chondrogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells via Biomimetic and Bioactive Poly-ε-Caprolactone Scaffolds
Scientists developed a scaffold for mesenchymal stromal cell recruitment, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation. The concept behind the design was to mimic the cartilage matrix and contain stimulatory agents that make continuous supply of inductive factors redundant. [J Biomed Mater Res Part A] Abstract

Proliferation of Genetically Modified Human Cells on Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds
To overcome the issue of reduced proliferation phenotype problem, investigators utilized nanofiber scaffolds as templates on which modified cells were allowed to recover, grow, and expand after gene editing. [Mol Ther Nucleic Acids] Abstract

Biomedical Engineer Earns Cyprus’ Top National Prize
Distinguished Professor Kyriacos Athanasiou, who holds the Child Family Endowed Chair in Engineering at the University of California, Davis received the Nemitsas Prize from the president of the Republic of Cyprus. Athanasiou received the award in recognition of his numerous achievements in the field of biomedical engineering and tissue engineering. [University of California, Davis] Press Release

Seven Faculty Members Named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Seven faculty members at The University of Texas at Austin have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS fellows are chosen annually by their peers to recognize their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. [The University of Texas at Austin] Press Release

VistaGen Therapeutics Becomes Member of Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) Consortium
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. has formalized its membership in the Toronto-based CCRM Industry Consortium. CCRM is a not-for-profit, public-private consortium funded by the Government of Canada, six Ontario-based institutional partners and more than 20 companies representing the key sectors of the regenerative medicine industry. [VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

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NEW The European Chapter of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS-EU)
June 17-20, 2013
Istanbul, Turkey

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

Product Quality Scientist (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

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

Quality Control Analyst (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Position – Matrix Biology (University of Washington)

Postdoctoral Position(s) – Nanomedicine/Bioengineering (Ian Wark Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Position(s) – Nanotechnology, Scaffold Engineering, and Biomaterials (University of Michigan)

Senior Researcher Position – Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine (University of Aveiro)

Postdoctoral Position – Bioengineering of Heart Tissue and Scaffolds (Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, Utica)

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