Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.49 | Dec 13 2012

IL-22 Promotes Fibroblast-Mediated Wound Repair in the Skin
Researchers used IL-22^−/− mice to investigate the in vivo role for IL-22 in acute skin wounding. They found that IL-22^−/− mice displayed major defects in the skin’s dermal compartment after full-thickness wounding. They also found that IL-22 signaling is active in fibroblasts, using in vitro assays with primary fibroblasts, and that IL-22 directs extracellular matrix gene expression and myofibroblast differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing-1 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression by Regulating Migration and Adhesion of Tumor Cells
The authors showed that collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1) is highly expressed in human pancreatic cancer tissues and plays a role in the progression and metastasis of the disease. CTHRC1 promoted primary tumor growth and metastatic spread of cancer cells to distant organs in orthotopic xenograft tumor mouse models. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

Growth and Differentiation of Prechondrogenic Cells on Bioactive Self-Assembled Peptide Nanofibers
Researchers exploited the functional role of an extracellular matrix on chondrogenic differentiation by imitating extracellular matrix both chemically by imparting functional groups of native glycosaminoglycans and structurally through peptide nanofiber network. [Biomacromolecules] Abstract

The Group A Streptococcal Collagen-Like Protein 1 (Scl1) Mediates Biofilm Formation by Targeting the EDA-Containing Variant of Cellular Fibronectin Expressed in Wounded Tissue
Investigators report that group A Streptococcus (GAS) biofilm formation is mediated by the Scl1 interaction with extra domain A (EDA)-containing cellular form of fibronectin (cFn). Recombinant Scl1 proteins that bound cFn also bound recombinant EDA within the C-C’ loop region recognized by the α₉β₁ integrin. The extracellular 2-D matrix derived from human dermal fibroblasts supports GAS adherence and biofilm formation. [Mol Microbiol] Abstract

Differential Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Constituents in Myocardial Remodeling with and without Heart Failure following Pressure Overload
Scientists examined potential differences in the regulation of myocardial extracellular matrix constituents in mice with hypertrophy only and with heart failure as response to comparable pressure overload. [Matrix Biol] Abstract

Biocompatible Fibrous Networks of Cellulose Nanofibers and Collagen Crosslinked Using Genipin: Potential as Artificial Ligament/Tendons
Bio-based fibrous nanocomposites of cellulose nanofibers and non-crosslinked/crosslinked collagen were prepared by in situ pH-induced fibrillation of collagen phase and sterilized using gamma rays at 25 KGy. Microscopy studies of the prepared materials showed nanostructured fibrous collagen and cellulose dispersed in collagen matrix. [Macromol Biosci] Abstract

Collagen Hydrogels Strengthened by Biodegradable Meshes Are a Basis for Dermo-Epidermal Skin Grafts Intended to Reconstitute Human Skin in a One-Step Surgical Intervention
Scientists aimed to test novel dermo-epidermal skin substitutes based on collagen type I hydrogels, physically strengthened by two types of polymeric net-like meshes. Both meshes were integrated into collagen type I hydrogels and dermo-epidermal skin substitutes were generated. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Photocrosslinked Alginate with Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels as Vehicles for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Encapsulation and Chondrogenesis
Researchers demonstrated the utility of photocrosslinked alginate hydrogels containing interpenetrating hyaluronic acid chains to support stem cell chondrogenesis. They report high cell viability and no statistical difference in metabolic activity between mesenchymal stem cells cultured in calcium crosslinked alginate and photocrosslinked alginate for up to ten days of culture. [J Biomed Mater Res Part A] Abstract

Incorporation of Fibronectin to Enhance Cytocompatibility in Multilayer Elastin-Like Protein Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Investigators enhanced endothelial cell and mesenchymal stem cell compatibility with elastin-like protein (ELP) constructs by addition of fibronectin (Fn) to the surface or bulk of ELP hydrogels. They found that cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration can be modulated by Fn addition. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

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