Extracellular Matrix News Volume 3.50 | Dec 20 2012

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    Extracellular Matrix News 3.50 December 20, 2012

         In this issue: Publications | Reviews | Science News | Industry News | Policy News | Events | Jobs
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    TOP STORY
    Maintenance of the Self-Renewal Properties of Neural Progenitor Cells Cultured in Three-Dimensional Collagen Scaffolds by the REDD1-mTOR Signal Pathway
    Sponge-like collagen scaffolds were used to assess how three dimensional culture would affect the differentiation and self-renewal of neural progenitor cells. [Biomaterials] Abstract

    New: Directed Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells

    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

    Rotational Motion during Three-Dimensional Morphogenesis of Mammary Epithelial Acini Relates to Laminin Matrix Assembly
    Investigators performed multidimensional live-cell imaging analysis to track the morphogenetic process starting from a single cell to the development of a multicellular, spherical structure composed of polarized epithelial cells surrounding a hollow lumen. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

    Structural Integrity, Extracellular Matrix Components and Immunogenicity of Decellularized Laryngeal Scaffold with Preserved Cartilage
    Scientists constructed a decellularized, whole, laryngeal scaffold with preserved chondrocytes using perfusion techniques and evaluated the immunogenicity of the decellularized scaffold in vitro and in vivo in a rat model. [Biomaterials] Abstract

    Engineering an In Situ Crosslinkable Hydrogel for Enhanced Remyelination
    The authors aimed to engineer an injectable biocompatible hydrogel system as a supportive niche to provide a regeneration permissive microenvironment for transplanted oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to survive, functionally differentiate, and remyelinate central nervous system lesions. [FASEB J] Abstract

    Azithromycin Increases In Vitro Fibronectin Production through Interactions between Macrophages and Fibroblasts Stimulated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    Researchers have previously demonstrated that azithromycin polarizes macrophages towards an alternatively activated phenotype, thereby blunting inflammation associated with infection. Because this phenotype is pro-fibrotic, it’s important to evaluate azithromycin’s consequential effects upon fibroblast function and extracellular matrix protein production. [J Antimicrob Chemother] Abstract

    Elastin, A Novel Extracellular Matrix Protein Adhering to Mycobacterial Antigen 85 Complex
    Investigators report that the extracellular matrix components, elastin and its precursor derived from human aorta, lung, and skin, serve as binding partners of Ag85 from mycobacterium tuberculosis. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

    Bioactive Polyacrylamide Hydrogels with Gradients in Mechanical Stiffness
    Researchers proposed a novel, single step method for the production of polyacrylamide hydrogels with a gradient in mechanical properties. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract

    Curcumin Targets Fibroblast-Tumor Cell Interactions in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    Co-culture of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLs) and SCC-25 oral squamous carcinoma cells (OSCC) results in conversion of PDLs into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and induces epithelial-to mesenchymal transition of OSCC tumor cells. Investigators hypothesized that Curcumin targets this dynamic mutual interaction between CAFs and tumor cells. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

    Fibroblast Growth on Micro- and Nanopatterned Surfaces Prepared by a Novel Sol-Gel Phase Separation Method
    To test the effect of varying the supporting surface structure on cell growth, investigators applied a novel sol-gel phase separation-based method to prepare micro- and nanopatterned surfaces with round surface structure features. Growth characteristics and morphology of primary human dermal fibroblasts were found to be significantly modulated by the microstructure of the substrate. [J Mater Sci Mater Med] Abstract

    Chondrocyte-Alginate Constructs with or without TGF-β1 Produces Superior Extracellular Matrix Expression than Monolayer Cultures
    A study using chondrocytes isolated from rabbit knee articular cartilage expanded in vitro as monolayer and chondrocyte-alginate constructs was conducted. Immunohistochemical evaluation and extracellular matrix distribution was examined with or without transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) supplement to determine the ability of cells to express major chondrogenic proteins in these environments. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract

    Design of Bioactive Electrospun Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
    Scientists aimed to produce polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL/gelatin fibrous scaffolds by electrospinning to engineer functional bone by the careful reproduction of the native microenvironment of the natural tissue. [J Appl Biomater Function Mater] Abstract

    Culture primary neurons independent of substrate with NeuroCult™ SM2

    REVIEWS
    Collagen – Finding a Solution for the Source
    The authors attempt to elucidate the advantages of plant-derived human recombinant collagen and its applications in tissue engineering, particularly skin and wound healing. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

    SCIENCE NEWS
    To Revert Breast Cancer Cells, Give Them the Squeeze
    While the traditional view of cancer development focuses on the genetic mutations within the cell, researchers conducted pioneering experiments that showed that a malignant cell is not doomed to become a tumor, but that its fate is dependent on its interaction with the surrounding microenvironment. [Press release from the University of California, Berkeley discussing research presented at the American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting, San Francisco] Press Release

    INDUSTRY NEWS

    Organovo Partners with Autodesk Research to Develop 3D Bioprinting Software
    Organovo Holdings, Inc., a creator and manufacturer of functional, three-dimensional (3D) human tissues for medical research and therapeutic applications, is working together with researchers at Autodesk, Inc. to create the first 3D design software for bioprinting. The software will represent a major step forward in usability and functionality for designing three-dimensional human tissues, and has the potential to open up bioprinting to a broader group of users. [Organovo Holdings, Inc.] Press Release

    New Facility Will Bridge Research and Stem Cell Therapies
    The University of Rochester Medical Center has opened the doors on a new facility that will enable researchers to create, study, and ultimately use stem cells and their offspring in early-phase experimental human therapies. The Upstate Stem Cell cGMP Facility was created with $3.5 million in support from the Empire State Stem Cell Board. [University of Rochester Medical Center] Press Release

    POLICY NEWS

    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)

    EVENTS

    NEW StemCONN 2013: Realizing the Promise 
    April 3, 2013
    New Haven, United States


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

    JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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

    Product Quality Scientist (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Scientist – Endothelial Cell Research (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) – Nanotechnology, Scaffold Engineering, and Biomaterials (University of Michigan)

    Senior Scientist – Hard Tissue Engineering (University de Limoges)

    Staff Scientist – Stem Cell-Based Therapy Manufacturing (City of Hope Medical Group )


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