Extracellular Matrix News Volume 4.01 | Jan 10 2013

Effect of BMP-2 from Matrices of Different Stiffnesses for the Modulation of Stem Cell Fate
Stem cells cultured on extracellular matrix (ECM) with different stiffnesses have been shown to engage into different lineage commitments. However, in vivo, the components of the ECM are known to bind and strongly interact with growth factors. The effect, on the stem cell fate, of the cooperation between the mechanical properties and the growth factor in the same microenvironment has not yet been investigated. Here, researchers proposed a protocol for mimicking this stem cell microenvironment with an in vitro system. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Primary Human Chondrocyte Extracellular Matrix Formation and Phenotype Maintenance Using RGD-Derivatized PEGDM Hydrogels Possessing a Continuous Gradient in Modulus
The authors described a polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDM) hydrogel system possessing a gradient in modulus containing a uniform concentration of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide (RGD) to enhance cellular adhesion for the correlation of primary human osteoarthritic chondrocyte proliferation, phenotype maintenance, and extracellular matrix production to the hydrogel properties. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Towards Constructing Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Hydrogels: An Elastic Hydrogel Constructed from Tandem Modular Proteins Containing Tenascin FnIII Domains
Scientists used the third FnIII domain of Tenascin-C (TNfn3) and resilin sequence -based tandem modular protein FRF4RF4R (F represents TNfn3 domain and R represents the resilin sequence, respectively) as a building block to construct protein-based, extracellular matrix-mimetic hydrogels. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Improved Recellularization of Ex Vivo Vascular Scaffolds Using Directed Transport Gradients to Modulate Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Researchers aimed to create a directed growth environment that allows cells to fully populate an ex vivo-derived vascular scaffold and maintain viability over extended periods. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract

Syndecan-1 Modulates Beta-Integrin- and IL-6-Dependent Functions in Breast Cancer Cell Adhesion, Migration and Resistance to Irradiation
The authors evaluated the potential role of Syndecan-1 in modulating matrix-dependent breast cancer cell migration in the presence of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and a potential involvement in resistance to irradiation in vitro. [FEBS J] Abstract

Angiotensin II Induces the Production of MMP-3 and MMP-13 through the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Signaling Pathway via the AT₁ Receptor in Osteoblasts
Scientists examined the effect of Angiotensin II on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), plasminogen activators, and their inhibitors using osteoblastic ROS17/2.8 cells. [Biochimie] Abstract

Plant-Derived Human Collagen Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering
To investigate the utility of plant-derived human collagen (PDHC) in the development of engineered skin, PDHC and bovine hide collagen were formed into tissue engineering scaffolds using electrospinning or freeze-drying. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Biomimetic Three-Dimensional Anisotropic Geometries by Uniaxial Stretch of Poly(ɛ-Caprolactone) Films for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation, Alignment, and Myogenic Differentiation
Investigators present a novel simple, solvent-free, and reproducible method via uniaxial stretching for incorporating anisotropic topographies on bioresorbable films with ambitions to realize stem cell alignment control. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Full Article | Press Release

Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for Cartilage and Bone Regeneration
The authors discuss the rationale for using extracellular matrix (ECM)-based approaches for different regenerative purposes and detail the application of ECM for cartilage or osteochondral repair. [Trends Biotechnol] Abstract

Proteoglycans in the Central Nervous System: Role in Development, Neural Repair, and Alzheimer’s Disease
The main functions of proteoglycans (PGs) in the central nervous system are reviewed as are the roles of PGs in brain injury and in the development or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. [IUBMB Life] Abstract

Shire Acquires Lotus Tissue Repair, Inc.
Shire plc announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Lotus Tissue Repair, Inc. Shire’s Human Genetic Therapies business will undertake the further development of Lotus Tissue Repair’s lead product candidate, a proprietary recombinant form of human collagen Type VII, an intravenous protein replacement therapy for the treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. [Shire plc] Press Release

New Company Applies Regenerative Medicine to Corneal Transplantation
Ocular Systems, Inc., Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and the North Carolina Eye Bank have formed a new company based on a promising new technology aimed at engineering replacement corneas in the lab for transplantation. The new approach, not yet tested in patients, involves isolating cells from “banked” donor corneas to grow replacement corneal tissue in the lab. [Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center] 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 CiRA International Symposium 2013: Raising the Next Generation of Stem Cell Research
March 11-12, 2013
Kyoto, Japan

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

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

Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Engineering (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Senior Scientist – Hard Tissue Engineering (University de Limoges)

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

Early Stage Researcher – Laser-Made 3D Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications (FORTH)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Cell Therapy & Tissue Engineering in Heart Disease (Dipartimento di Scienze e Biotecnologie medico-chirurgiche)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interactions in Cardiovascular Development & Disease (Thomas Jefferson University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Breast Cancer Cells & Extracellular Matrix (Mount Sinai School of Medicine)

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